MILLINGTON, Tenn. -- Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey, Commander,
Navy Personnel Command (NPC), discussed the Navy’s efforts to further improve leadership and its role in diversity during a virtual roundtable at the Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) Aug. 5, 2021.
The symposium was held virtually due to COVID-19 limitations.
Holsey, the former director of Task Force One Navy (TF1N), discussed the Task Force’s findings in the 142-page report which included a comprehensive set of nearly 60 recommendations for the Navy to adopt. He emphasized that the findings drove specific lines of efforts and associated metrics, which are now being briefed to the Navy’s four-star admirals quarterly to ensure the Navy continues to make progress and meet the mark.
“Accountability for Task Force One Navy efforts rests with all of us - from E-1 through O-10, contractors to SES,” said Holsey. “Ultimately, the report is just a document. It is not a role model, it is not a mentor, it will not advocate or sponsor anyone. It will not lead or hold anyone accountable. That decision is with all of us. We have to drive the change.”
OWLS convenes women leaders in the military and veteran community and includes experts, innovators, and thought leaders who explore emerging trends, strengthen skills, and transform observations into actionable insights to lead positive change.
The traditional understanding of leadership is evolving rapidly to address new challenges and issues often faced as individuals, communities, and a nation. OWLS provides guidance to leadership on the importance of developing meaningful leadership to lead self, teams, and organizations, and how it is essential for the growth and change these times demand.
Other speakers in the symposium included retired Navy Adm. Michelle Howard, Lt. Gen. Lori Reynolds and many other women in civilian and military leadership roles.