Rick Lynch

With 34 years of service in the US Army, Lieutenant General Rick Lynch has made significant contributions as a leader and strategist. His journey began by overcoming financial challenges to attend West Point and continued through various commanding roles including leading “The Surge” in Iraq, where he prepared on short notice and led 25,000 soldiers into one of the country's most volatile areas, focusing on capacity building and major combat operations.

Lynch's leadership extended beyond combat as he ascended through the ranks from a company of about 100 soldiers to a corps of approximately 65,000. As the head of all US Army installations, he managed an annual budget of $12 billion and a workforce of 120,000. His commitment to the well-being of soldiers was evident at Fort Hood, Texas, where he implemented policies that effectively reduced divorce and suicide rates by mandating family time and limiting weekend work.

Parallel to his military accomplishments, Lynch has made strides in academia and literature. He is the executive director of the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI), where he focuses on developing strategic partnerships for technology commercialization. He has authored books including "Adapt or Die: Leadership Principles from an American General" and "Work Hard, Pray Hard: The Power of Faith in Action," sharing leadership insights drawn from both military and civilian experiences.

Throughout his expansive career, Lynch has been part of several historical milestones, such as the admission of the first female cadets to West Point and the transition to an All-Volunteer Army during the Vietnam War. He has also been honored with a soldier’s medal for heroism during his deployment to Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Today, he continues to inspire and guide leaders through his writings and speeches, applying his deep knowledge of leadership and operational management in diverse contexts.