General Robert B. Neller, USMC, Retired
37th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and decorated veteran, General Robert B. Neller is a proven transformational leader and change agent. General Neller successfully led the United States Marine Corps through one of its most dynamic periods in its storied history including integrating women into previously restricted ground combat units, addressing and developing policy for transgender service members, infantry squad changes, implementing social media guidelines and more, all while engaged in multiple threats of combat, the whole time elevating the uncompromising high standards that the Marine Corps is known for across the globe. “A warrior, leader, and statesman,” General Neller has over 44 years of experience leading and managing global organizations worldwide, bringing a forward-thinking approach and unique voice to his brand of leadership. His uncompromising dedication to building and leading teams of virtue and character, his straight-forward, no-nonsense style partnered with his extensive experience in combat and in Washington D.C. will motivate, teach, inspire, and empower audiences. General Neller is unwavering in his commitment to the ethos “Effort Matter, Character Counts.”

Neller was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 1975 and has served as an infantry officer at all levels. He commanded the Marine Security Force Company Panama during Operations JUST CAUSE and PROMOTE LIBERTY, 3d Light Armored Infantry Battalion during Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia, 6th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, Marine Forces Central Command and Marine Forces Command His Joint assignments include service in the Policy Division of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Casteau, Belgium, and as the Director of Operations (J3) of the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. In 2006 he was Deputy Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) where the Iraq Awakening took root in the Anbar Province during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 05-07.

A graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A in History and Speech Communication, General Neller also holds a M.A. in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University. During his 44 year career in the Marine Corps, he became a graduate of the Advanced Armor Officer Course, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, the NATO Defense College and the Armed Forces Staff College. General Neller served as the President of Marine Corps University and is currently a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The University of Texas Clements Center, sits on the advisory board for the University of Virginia’s National Security Policy Center, is a senior mentor with the National Defense University and serves as Chairman of the Board for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.