News & Events

Monday, December 1, 2008
by: Philip DiSalvio

Air Force One Presidential Pilot Colonel Mark Tillman was the main speaker at the SetonWorldWide Master in Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership (MASCL) graduation residency on Saturday, September 6, 2008,
 
Colonel Tillman shared his experience as the Air Force One Presidential Pilot on September 11, 2001 and recounted the leadership role he played in maintaining the safety and security of President Bush on this day of national tragedy.  Speaking to graduates and their family and friends, Colonel Tillman spoke about his sense of duty as the Presidential Pilot of Air Force One and discussed the critical components he sees as shaping strong leaders: integrity, relationships, and experience.  
 
Recognizing every member of his team as the best of the best - from his maintenance crew to his co-pilot, Colonel Tillman attributes his effectiveness as a leader to an inherent confidence in his team's skills and an appreciation for the significant role each individual plays in carrying out the mission. He addressed the importance that relationships rooted in trust have played in his own experience and acknowledges the critical function each team member plays in successfully executing their respective role in order that that he can carry out his role.  
 
Colonel Tillman concluded his address by reminding the new graduates that real-world leadership is based on a simple maxim  - “To lead the best of the best, you must constantly strive to be the best of the best.”  
 
 

For more information please contact:
Philip DiSalvio
(973) 761-9086
disalvph@shu.edu