Our Heartland Leadership Forum is named in honor of Minnesota’s own Donald W. McCarthy, a graduate with the Naval Academy’s Class of 1944. Don served in both World War II and the Korean War. He then climbed the corporate leadership ladder with Northern States Power (now Xcel Energy) to become Chairman and CEO. During his illustrious career, Don also led many community organizations that helped to shape the Twin Cities metro area to become the vibrant business and social community it is today.
Event Schedule:
5:30-6:15 pm Registration & Networking
6:15-8:00pm Program & Dinner
The evening includes a networking hour with a cash bar and three course dinner. There will be a Q&A session after the Keynote speaker's address followed by an opportunity to take your photo with him.
Keynote Speaker: Vice Admiral James D. Syring; Former Director, Missile Defense Agency
Vice Admiral Syring is a 1985 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering, In 1992, Syring earned his Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School. He was the Director for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Pentagon, Washington, DC. In this capacity, he oversaw MDA’s worldwide mission to develop a capability to defend deployed forces, the United States, allies, and friends against ballistic missile attacks. Syring’s personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.
Dress: Business Casual. Service members and Veterans are welcome to come in uniform if they choose.
Parking: Parking is available in the adjacent University Avenue Ramp, connected by tunnel to the McNamara Alumni Center. For more information on directions, parking and rates, click here.
This is a closed event, media passes are not available.
