Former Governor of Pennsylvania and First Secretary of Homeland Security
In the most challenging time in recent American history, Tom Ridge was entrusted with the task of protecting the nation as the first secretary of Homeland Security. In his time serving as the country's primary liaison in the international fight against terrorism, Ridge captained the newly created agency under incredible pressure, integrating thousands of personnel, coordinating nearly two dozen agencies, and establishing a culture of innovation that continues to keep America secure. A decorated Vietnam veteran, former congressman, and governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Ridge draws from every aspect of his remarkable career to enlighten audiences on the state of the globe, the state of politics in Washington, and what the future means for the free market. From the professional to the personal, Ridge offers organizations and individuals the key strategies for mission success and how to establish the vision to get there.
Strategist and Visionary. Ridge is the author of the memoir, The Test of Our Times: America Under Siege and How We Can Be Safe Again, a book that gives a close-up account of the days immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001. It chronicles his days as White House Homeland Security Director, his leadership at DHS, and his experiences following that historic endeavor. In his years as the 43rd governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge left a record of rapid advances in economic development, technology, education, healthcare, and the environment. As the U.S.'s first homeland security chief, he drove the biggest change management challenge of all time--forming an effective agency at a time of great upheaval. Currently, he is CEO of his own consultancy, Ridge Global LLC.
International Statesman. Ridge's leadership following the tragic events of 9/11 has generated sought-after world attention of his perspective of the enemy, the battle and the outcome. In conversations with audiences, he asserts that democratic societies must continue to subscribe to foundational principles--engagement, economic viability, and the smart power of diplomacy. Yet this same foundation must include collectively addressed security for the worlds' citizens. The road to this outcome is abundant with challenges. Ridge's foreign policy credentials yield a unique insight into addressing the inextricable link between security and prosperity, and its positive effect in stabilizing regions around the world.
More About Tom Ridge. Born in a working-class family in Pittsburgh's Steel Valley, Ridge eventually earned a scholarship to Harvard. After his first year at The Dickinson School of Law, he was drafted into the Army, where he served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Cross of Gallantry. After returning home, he earned his law degree, eventually becoming one of the first Vietnam veterans elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served six terms. Ridge also serves on public and private boards, including the Institute for Defense Analyses and the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.
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Global Engagement: A Current Perspective of World Events. The Honorable Tom Ridge has grown from a young sergeant in the battlefields of Vietnam to one of the world's pre-eminent statesman. Experience marks a presentation that offers a perspective only this respected and trusted leader can bring from his days as soldier, congressman, governor and Cabinet secretary. As a participant on the world stage, Ridge describes the new role that all democracies bring to the international table and the increasing importance of collective leadership in the world. In Ridge's view, understanding the context of current international influences on America and its allies is critical to sustaining a vital and robust global economy and strong security. In this presentation, Ridge opens the door to a commanding discussion of current events, diplomacy, global engagement and international coalition building as the world confronts critical foreign policy issues in the 21st Century.
International Terrorism and the Future. As the first U.S. secretary of homeland security and the world’s first terrorism czar, no one knows more about the state and scope of international terrorism than Tom Ridge. His talk centers around the inevitable, irreversible effects of globalization – how the world is getting smaller and we must depend on strong relationships , on powerful engagement, with countries large and small, friendly and hostile, to increase security and to protect the economy, risk, and trade. Ridge outlines how these strong partnerships will help America be safer, more profitable and inevitably be successful in competing in the Global Marketplace and in the battle against the “ideology of Jihad.” Additionally, he talks inspirationally about the “soft power” of America—our values, our heart and our compassion—and how we can use this power to mend bridges and to not live in fear.
Fortune Favors the Brave: The Net Gain of Security in a Risk-Based World. The inextricable link between security and prosperity in a progressively interdependent world has generated enormous business, political and economic benefits but also consequent challenges. As the interdependence grows, so grows the vulnerability. Terrorism, natural disasters, criminal acts, vendor issues, accidents and geopolitical influences can have debilitating effects on economies and thus have put issues such as supply chain security, cross-border collaborations and security investment at the forefront of every proactive business and government agenda. Secretary Ridge will share his views of today's risk-centric environment and how to minimize those risks in favor of greater resiliency and security across the globe.
Leadership Principles: Defined and Delivered. One of the world's most visible leaders, Tom Ridge understands that leadership, both individual and collective, requires that we think differently about its meaning and methods. Leadership, he believes, occurs at all levels, and requires more than position or title to drive people and organizations closer toward their goals. Drawing from a remarkable career, Ridge pulls from his varied experiences in Vietnam, the U.S. Congress, the Pennsylvania statehouse, the U.S Cabinet and as CEO of his own consultancy, Ridge Global LLC. In a substantive, good-humored discussion, this consummate leader describes how to create teams that communicate clearly and quickly, and appropriately serve missions that will undoubtedly confront change, crisis and growth. He presents an inspiring perspective that can benefit any individual or team and propel both toward a more accomplished, strategic and focused future.
And More... On special request, Secretary Tom Ridge is available to speak on other issues pertinent to his experience, including: intergovernmental relationships, innovation in education, the value of public service, restoring civil discourse to the political arena, and the safeguarding of civil liberties and Constitutional principles in a new security environment.
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