Preparing students for a lifetime of service with lessons inspired by one of America's greatest leaders
The Eisenhower Leadership Conference is an immersive, professional development experience for members of the Gettysburg community. This full-day event features leaders in the public and private sector, student presentations, and an interactive leadership simulation that allows participants to immediately put learned skills into practice. Students, staff, faculty and members of the greater Gettysburg community are welcome.
The conference opens with Eisenhower Institute Founder and Expert-in-Residence Susan Eisenhower sharing key leadership lessons from her grandfather, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Ms. Eisenhower has written about these lessons in her book "How Ike Led: The Principles Behind Eisenhower's Biggest Decisions." Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of strategic vs. operational leadership and Ike's "Middle Way." Through his life of public service in the military and government, they will better understand enduring qualities of successful leadership, such as duty, fairness, humility, restraint, values, vision, character and courage.
In addition to Ms. Eisenhower, each year the conference features a keynote speaker whose achievements align with President's Eisenhower's life and career. Speakers often embed on campus for two days before the conference as an Executive-in-Residence, engaging students in classes, group meetings, individual coaching sessions, and informal settings. Past speakers include:
2023 - Military Leader Colby Jenkins, Acting Principal Deputy Asst. Secretary of War for Special Operations
2024 - Labor Leader Towanda Underdue, SAG-AFTRA National Board and Negotiating Committee
2025 - Business and Military Leader James Sweeney '80, President, PathAI Diagnostics
2025-26 Conference Details
The 2025-26 Eisenhower Leadership Conference takes place on Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Breidenbaugh Hall at Gettysburg College.
Our keynote speaker is Michael A. Mason. Like President Eisenhower, Mason first developed essential leadership skills while serving his country in various roles, including as Special Agent in Charge of the Sacramento Field Office and Assistant Director in charge of the Washington Field Office, with the FBI. After twenty-three years of service, he retired and joined Verizon as a Senior Vice-President and Chief Security Officer. While at Verizon, he was responsible for overseeing and coordinating global security efforts throughout the company and all its business units, including enterprise-wide security strategy and programs, physical security, elements of cybersecurity, legal compliance, investigations, and law enforcement matters.
This year's conference includes a conversation panel with Black Student Union members who attended the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. The audience will have an opportunity to hear about the students' experience, learn about the organization's legislative priorities, and ask questions and engage in conversation with the participants and each other.
Following the student panel, all attendees will participate in a hands-on, in-depth leadership simulation involving decision-making around youth activity in a fictional town like Gettysburg. The exercise allows participants to engage in role play as local elected officials, community and civic leaders, residents, educators, youth, finance officials and other roles. Issue include education, public safety, use of public and private spaces, equitable access and fiscal concerns. Participants will work in groups to design innovative solutions to present to a fictional "city council" for final approval. This exercise allows all conference participants to practice skills learned earlier in the day. For students in particular, the simulation presents an opportunity to integrate knowledge from a variety of academic majors and co-curricular experiences.
The Eisenhower Leadership Conference is a welcoming platform for all members of our community. Students are welcome to participate regardless of major or class year. It's an inclusive opportunity for everyone to learn and grow. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The conference is FREE, but space is limited. Registration will close when all available spaces are filled.