Leadership in Defining Moments
Leadership isn’t forged in comfort—it’s tested in crisis.
Throughout my career in public service, business, and higher education, I’ve been called to lead during some of the most defining moments of the past few decades. From global disruption and financial upheaval to political realignment and technological transformation, I’ve remained mission-focused, stakeholder-aligned, and resolute in charting a path forward.
Thank you for your steadfast leadership through these turbulent times. I see a bright future for the University of Colorado with you at the helm.
🦠 Leading Through a Global Pandemic
President, University of Colorado System | 2020–2021
When COVID-19 struck, I acted swiftly to protect the safety of our students, faculty, and staff while ensuring academic continuity across four campuses. CU was among the first universities in the nation to pivot to remote instruction and remained one of the safest large systems throughout the crisis. We were also early to returning to in-person instruction and research.
I convened daily leadership calls, prioritized overcommunication, and coordinated actions across Colorado’s higher education sector. The trust built during this time enabled us to remain united and focused in the face of extraordinary uncertainty.
“In uncertain times, clarity, transparency, and empathy build the trust needed to move forward.”
Collaboration with Colorado Governor through the Pandemis.
📉 Navigating Financial Uncertainty
President, CU and UND
At both the University of North Dakota and the University of Colorado, I led during periods of significant financial stress—meeting the moment without compromising long-term strategy or institutional momentum.
At CU, we absorbed a $396 million pandemic-related revenue decline, including a 20% mid-year cut in state funding, while still advancing a long-term strategic plan.
At UND, I led through deep state budget reductions—yet we launched new initiatives, retained faculty morale, and preserved mission-critical programs.
"I led tough decisions with transparency, built coalitions for shared sacrifice, and turned adversity into alignment."
🧭 Maintaining Mission in Politicized Times
CU Presidency Transition | 2021
When a new political majority on the Board of Regents signaled it would pursue different leadership, I prioritized the institution above all else—ensuring a smooth, mission-centered transition. I remained focused on supporting our students and faculty, and was honored with the title President Emeritus, a reflection of lasting respect from across the system.
“Leadership means knowing when to fight—and when to step aside with integrity.”
🏒 Leading Through Cultural Transition at UND
Navigating Passion, Identity, and Institutional Purpose
- At the University of North Dakota, I inherited a challenge more than a decade in the making: the transition from the “Fighting Sioux” nickname. While the NCAA had deemed the name and logo “hostile and abusive,” passionate fans, donors, and alumni—especially those connected to the storied Ralph Engelstad Arena—remained deeply attached to it.
- The arena itself, gifted by Ralph Engelstad and adorned with Sioux iconography, remained under independent control. The Engelstad family had a contractual right to maintain the logo in the facility, limiting the university’s options and intensifying scrutiny.
- Rather than inflame the situation, I focused on a measured, respectful transition—centered on dialogue with tribal leaders, honoring UND’s student-athletes, and guiding the university forward with unity.
“Our job wasn’t to erase history - the Sioux logo embedded in marble remained in the hockey arena. It was to follow the NCAA mandate and build a future that reflects shared respect and the institution’s mission.”
- Despite personal criticism and moments of public tension, we successfully adopted the Fighting Hawks name—approved through a campus-wide vote and supported by student-athletes, faculty, and state leaders. To help foster a sense of pride and identity around the new name, I also encouraged students to create a mascot that could help rally the community around the Fighting Hawks. A statue of that new mascot is now in the student union. The university moved forward with strength, and our partnerships with tribal colleges deepened as a result.
🏛️ Leading Through Crisis in Congress
U.S. House of Representatives | 2001–2007 | U.S. Senate Race 2006
Elected just before 9/11, I served in Congress during one of America’s most volatile and consequential eras. I worked across the aisle to modernize homeland security, rebuild economic resilience, and strengthen American competitiveness.
During my 2006 U.S. Senate campaign, I became the only Republican candidate in the nation to acknowledge mistakes in Iraq policy while still supporting the surge. I chose truth over political expedience—earning praise from CNN’s John King and FOX’s Fred Barnes.
“I’ve always believed that courage in leadership means telling the truth—even when it hurts.”
🧩 Strategic Transformation in Business
Treasurer, Federated Department Stores (now Macy's)
- I served as Treasurer during one of the most dramatic transformations in American retail history. When Canadian developer Robert Campeau launched a $6.6 billion hostile takeover of Federated in 1987, I worked to prevent it—understanding the unsustainable debt it would create.
- After the takeover proceeded, I was retained as Treasurer before and after the acquisition and through its eventual restructuring—a testament to the trust financial stakeholders placed in my credibility and leadership. I helped guide the company through a $12 billion reorganization. This enabled a future acquisition that led to it unifying regional brands into what is now Macy’s.
"Trusted across transition and turmoil, I learned how to lead at scale, earn investor confidence, and safeguard long-term value in volatile conditions."
🗺️ Charting Strategy at Flagship Universities
Strategic Planning at CU and UND
- I led systemwide strategic planning efforts at both the University of Colorado and the University of North Dakota—engaging faculty, staff, students, regents, and state leaders in collaborative processes that produced bold, measurable roadmaps.
- These efforts centered on mission clarity, inclusive excellence, and student success—not as slogans, but as data-driven commitments backed by metrics and accountability.
“A defining moment isn’t just about surviving disruption. It’s about shaping the future together.”
🤖 Securing America’s Role in the Tech Future
Winning the Next Wave of Scientific Discovery
- As emerging technologies reshape the global balance of power, I’ve called for America to lead not only in innovation, but in values. In speeches and strategy pieces, I’ve laid out how the U.S. must confront authoritarian challenges in AI and quantum—and win the next wave of discovery.
- That requires bold investment, bipartisan resolve, and a commitment to human dignity, open science, and civic trust. It also requires investing more in talent and discovery. The stakes aren’t just technological—they’re civilizational.
“America’s competitive edge won’t endure on its own. It must be renewed through talent, discovery, and democratic leadership.”
"Leadership means not just seeing the road ahead—but having the courage to act when the road veers off course."
📌 360° Leadership
🪙 Leadership Under Pressure
- 4-campus COVID response coordinated - CU
- $396M pandemic shortfall navigated - CU
- 20% midyear state funding cut absorbed - UND
- $12B restructuring after leveraged buyout - Federated
🧠 Lessons in Defining Moments
- COVID: “Act early, communicate often.”
- Financial crisis: “Build coalitions for shared sacrifice.”
- Congress: “Truth over expedience
- Federated: “Credibility earns you continuity.”
- AI: “Values must guide velocity.”