Mark Hertling

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mark Hertling, DBA, is a globally recognized authority on leadership, crisis decision-making, and national security. With nearly four decades in the U.S. Army — culminating as Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army — he led over 90,000 soldiers and partnered with the armed forces of 51 nations.

A veteran of Desert Storm and the Iraq War, Hertling spent four decades in the Army and more than three years in combat command, including leading the 1st Armored Division during the surge in Iraq. His leadership experience spans high-risk combat operations, multinational coalition environments, and large-scale organizational transformation.

After retiring from the Army, Hertling served in executive leadership roles at major healthcare systems, translating military leadership principles to improve organizational performance and culture. He spent a decade as a military and national security analyst for CNN and CNN International, helping global audiences understand complex conflicts and geopolitical risk.

Today, he is a Professor of Practice at the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, is a frequent and pro-bono contributor to MS-Now and various other media outlets, is a weekly contributor to The Bulwark and the host of the weekly "Bulwark Takes Command Post" on multiple streaming channels. His 2026 book, "If I Don’t Return," explores leadership, family, and combat across three wars, offering timeless lessons on resilience, service, and character. His 2016 book, "Growing Physician Leaders," was an Amazon Healthcare best seller.

Hertling delivers powerful, practical insights that help leaders build trust, navigate uncertainty, and lead with purpose in today’s complex world.