Northrop Grumman, Greencastle And Valor Technologies Honored With 2025 Patriots In Business Award
Northrop Grumman, Greencastle Consulting and Valor Technologies were honored today as winners of the 8th annual Patriots in Business Award for their leadership in helping America’s veterans, active-duty military and military spouses. The award, presented each year by Chief Executive magazine and Thayer Leadership, is part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness among corporate leaders of best practices in helping these important communities.
In addition, Lendmark Financial Services, Arcfield and Milspec Talent were awarded honorable mentions by our panel of judges. An award ceremony will take place on November 11 at the historic Thayer Hotel on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY.
The Patriots in Business Award—presented this year in the categories of large, medium and small organizations—recognizes outstanding businesses that lead our nation in supporting active-duty military members, veterans and their families and exemplify the U.S. Military Academy values of Duty, Honor and Country through their business practices and throughout their community and industry.
“This honor is a reflection of our team’s steadfast commitment to supporting our nation’s veterans and military families,” said Kathy Warden, Chair, CEO and President, Northrop Grumman. “The vital skills and experiences service members bring to our team fuel our innovation and success and deepen our commitment to delivering for our customers. We are proud to champion their contributions and continue to create meaningful career opportunities for those who have served our country.”
“Greencastle is honored to receive the Patriots in Business Award,” said Joe Crandall, CEO of Greencastle Consulting. “As a 100 percent veteran-owned and operated firm, our identity is inseparable from our military roots. Veterans bring discipline, resilience and a mission-first mindset—the very qualities that define how we Get Stuff Done and deliver for our clients. We’re proud to be a place where those strengths continue to thrive long after service.”
“Being selected for the Patriots in Business Awards is a proud honor because it validates the work we do for veterans, military families and our community,” said Bryan Sevener, founder and CEO, Valor Technologies. “Our commitment to veterans runs deeper than hiring; it’s about living the values that shaped us: Show up, stand guard and do the hard things right.”
The companies rose to the top of a highly competitive, nationwide judging process in which a panel of veterans’ affairs experts and business leaders with military backgrounds, including many prior winners of the award, assessed each nominated company’s programs:
“The Patriots in Business Award is an essential tool to help unearth and celebrate organizations that set the standard for working with the veteran community,” said Marshall Cooper, CEO, Chief Executive Group. “We’re proud to continue to spotlight these phenomenal companies.”
Said Karen Kuhla McClone, Ph.D., Co-President of Thayer Leadership: “This award honors companies that authentically and wholistically promote and honor veterans and military spouses—they build it into their culture, hiring and leadership development practices. This year’s honorees recognize that the values instilled through military service, such as integrity, teamwork and mission focus, are the same values that drive exceptional business performance. It’s our privilege to celebrate organizations that empower and champion those who have served our nation.”
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
