Gen. Norton A. Schwartz — who served as the 19th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force and commanded joint special operations in northern Iraq during the Gulf War — recently spent three days speaking with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students, faculty and Air Force ROTC cadets during his second visit as Executive in Residence at the renowned David B. O’Maley College of Business.

“The aviation enterprise is both a national security necessity and an economic engine,” said Schwartz, who retired after an illustrious 39-year Air Force career. “I hope to help enable students who have aspirations for aviation-related career paths to find their way and deliver.”

In his role as an Executive in Residence, Schwartz will help mentor the next generation of aviation and aerospace business leaders. The program is a product of a generous gift from Embry-Riddle Trustee David B. O’Maley and his wife, Karen.

“General Schwartz’s second visit demonstrates exactly what we want the Executive in Residence program to be — not a one-time encounter, but an ongoing relationship between our students and extraordinary leaders,” said Joe Gibney, dean of the  O'Maley College of Business. “Each time he returns, our students have another opportunity to learn from someone who has led complex organizations, made consequential decisions and spent a lifetime in service to our country and the aviation enterprise.”

Student Saule Kondra stands next to Gen. Schwartz
Saule Kondra, a junior Aviation Business Administration student, met and interviewed Gen. Norton Schwartz.
During his visit to the Daytona Beach Campus, Schwartz joined students for classes, one-on-one meetings and discussions.  In Dr. Tom Tacker’s Economics of Air Transport class, Schwartz spoke with students about the aviation system, national policy and economics. He also shared his experiences in decision-making, management and leadership, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Schwartz, a command pilot with more than 4,400 flying hours in a variety of aircraft, served as chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama from 2008 to 2012. As the Air Force’s highest-ranking military officer, Schwartz was responsible for the organization, training and equipping of approximately 680,000 active-duty, National Guard, reserve and civilian personnel serving in the United States and overseas.

Before assuming his position as chief of staff, Schwartz commanded U.S. Transportation Command, where he was the principal manager of global air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense.

“There is no substitute for experience and Gen. Schwartz shared his wealth of achievements and experiences with students,” said Tacker, a professor in the Department of Accounting, Economics, Finance and Information Sciences.

Schwartz also talked about his commitment to public service. In 1991, Schwartz led the Joint Special Operations Task Force for Northern Iraq in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1997, he led the Joint Task Force that prepared for the noncombatant evacuation of U.S. citizens in Cambodia.

“One of the main reasons I attended Embry-Riddle is because of the amazing connection with individuals such as Gen. Schwartz,” said Saule Kondra, a junior Aviation Business Administration student who interviewed Schwartz. “It is invaluable for students to have the chance to learn from the wisdom of industry veterans and to truly learn how their degree can be the stepping stone to a career of greatness." 

Benefits to Students

Launched in 2018, the Executive in Residence program has brought a prestigious cohort of prominent executives and industry leaders to Embry-Riddle to share career insights with faculty and students. Executives in Residence serve for two-year terms and spend several days on campus every semester.

“We curate each Executive in Residence visit to create meaningful interaction,” said Gibney. “Over a two-year term, students have multiple opportunities to build a real mentoring relationship.”

During his tenure as an Executive in Residence, Schwartz will discuss leadership, decision-making, public service, aviation and national security issues with students and faculty. Beyond the classroom, he will also join small-group conversations and one-on-one meetings where students can ask questions and have genuine conversations. The Executive in Residence program’s events and opportunities are open to all students, regardless of major, meaning Eagles across all campuses can benefit from the visiting executives’ leadership and experience, Gibney said.

“The goal is to create the kind of sustained, personal interaction with extraordinary leaders that can genuinely shape how a student thinks about his or her career,” Gibney said.

During his second visit, Schwartz said he was “impressed with the savvy and passion” of Embry-Riddle’s students.

“This is a unique place,” he said, “and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to offer insights and coaching points for the next generation.”

Exceptional Executives in Residence

Prior to Gen. Norton Schwartz, Embry-Riddle’s David B. O’Maley College of Business has named six Executives in Residence. They are listed in alphabetical order below:

  • Pete Agur, chairman and founder, The VanAllen Group
  • Leanne Caret, senior advisor to Blackstone; director on the boards of Deere & Company and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies); former executive with The Boeing Company; member of the Embry‑Riddle Board of Trustees
  • Candace J. Covington, member of Air Charter Safety Foundation Board of Governors; former senior director for aviation, Adobe
  • Ravi Dharnidharka, senior vice president, Cirrus Services; Embry‑Riddle alumnus
  • Barry Eccleston, retired CEO and president, Airbus Americas, Inc.
  • Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Textron Aviation, and president of McCauley Propeller Systems and Able Aerospace