Page 304 - Leadership Lessons of the White House Fellows

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charles P. Garcia is the bestselling author of A Message from Garcia. His
personal story is as dynamic and inspiring as his books. Whether he’s serv-
ing as a key advisor to some of the world’s most important business, mili-
tary, and political leaders, founding his own highly successful company,
surfing a towering wave off the Hawaiian coast, or racing his Dodge Viper,
he does it with a refreshing blend of gusto, style, and down-to-earth
approachability.
Since graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy and earning a mas-
ter’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma as
well as a law degree from Columbia Law School, Garcia has made a mark
in business, government, the military, and education—and as a role model
to the Hispanic community. In 1997, at the age of 36, he founded a global
business that was ranked eighth on the Inc 500 list of fastest-growing pri-
vately held companies in the country. Hispanic Business identified Garcia
as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States, and Uni-
vision Television selected him for their series Orgullo Hispano (Hispanic
Pride), which spotlights Hispanics who have made an exceptional impact
on the culture and life of American society.
In 1988 at age 27, Garcia was selected as one of 14 White House Fel-
lows that year. He later received two more presidential appointments: the
first was to serve on a national education commission, and the next was to
serve as chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, which
oversees all operations at the military academy. Additionally, the governor
of Florida appointed him to serve as the only Hispanic member of the
state’s Board of Education. Garcia has worked in three presidential admin-
istrations and has advised a Cabinet secretary, a governor, and a former
NATO Supreme Allied Commander on diverse issues ranging from