General Erik Shinseki (Ret.) is the former Chief of Staff of the United States Army. He is widely hailed as the person who led the transformation of the United States Army from a heavy and immobile organization to an effective combat force.

Richard E. Cavanagh is president and CEO of the Conference Board. He joined the Conference Board after serving as executive dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Formerly he worked with McKinsey & Company, Inc.