Vice Admiral John G. Morgan, Jr.

With an economics degree from the University of Virginia, John entered the U.S. Navy in 1972 and for the next 36 years was steeped in the practical side of planning, execution, and organizational leadership. On Sept. 11, 2001, John was commanding 10,000 men and women of the USS Enterprise carrier battle group, just then exiting the Strait of Hormuz. Upon getting word of the second plane hitting the World Trade Center he immediately turned the group—on his own authority—to be first in the theater of operations against al Qaeda and the Taliban. For his leadership in combat, John was awarded the Bronze Star.

John capped his naval career as a key advisor to Mike Mullen, then Chief of Naval Operations (and, starting in 2007, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs). In that capacity he directed the creation of “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Sea Power.” Two years in the making, the global strategy is now in effect and reflects the input of national and international leaders in business, military, civic organizations, and think tanks, and is aimed at protecting vital interests in an increasingly interconnected and changing world.

John is an expert in the art and science of strategy and transition leadership. Beyond solving complex, multi-dimensional challenges, his insight and advice has helped guide smart investments in these turbulent economic times.

In January 2011, John founded Meridian Way Advisors focusing on maritime prosperity and security.

He serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Naval Institute in Annapolis, Maryland and the Board of Advisors of ADS Inc. John and Jo Anna live in Winston-Salem, NC.