The George Washington Leadership Program

Dr. Peter Cressy

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, former CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, and Director of Executive Leadership Programs at the George Washington Presidential Library

With a career that spans military command, higher education, and trade association leadership, Dr. Cressy brings timeless leadership lessons to life—through the lens of history and personal experience. From commanding 16,000 troops during Desert Storm to navigating organizational change in the private sector, his insights are as practical as they are profound. Topics covered include: How crisis and change shape great leadership

• The importance of “strategic patience” and agility
• Lessons from Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Churchill
• The power of listening and building teams across divides
• What collaboration really looks like at war and in business
• How foodservice leaders can unify around shared challenges
• The IFDA Podcast: Leadership Lessons from a Navy Admiral & CEO Peter Cressy

Heather Soubra

Director of the George Washington Leadership Institute, an International Coaching Federation Certified Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.

A graduate of George Mason University, Soubra earned her degree in intercultural communication and received her certificate in coaching from George Mason University’s Institute for Leadership Excellence. She received her PCC coaching credential through the International Coaching Federation and her Executive Certificate in Facilitation from Georgetown University. Soubra previously served as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Chief of Staff, Strategist, and Consultant for the International Dairy Foods Association, where she focused on facilitating complex systems, human development, collaboration, and inclusiveness across the organization to achieve strategic goals. Her direct experiences as a senior leader supplement her education and inform her experience as a leadership and executive coach.