Former Military Leader Brings Passion for Democracy, Free Markets
DALLAS (October 14, 2008) -General Tommy Franks has joined the board of directors of the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA). Franks, former Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Central Command, is best known for his leadership of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.
"We are privileged to have a person of Gen. Frank's stature and experience become part of our board," said NCPA Board Chairman Pete du Pont. "His leadership and commitment to freedom and democracy will make him a key asset in the continued growth of the NCPA."
The Gen. Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and the NCPA first partnered last year for a youth leadership program called iDebate . The program brought together students from all over the U.S. to Oklahoma Christian University where they were trained in strategic thinking, planning, communication, teamwork and persuasion. After the success of the first iDebate camp, the program will now become an annual event.
Gen. Franks served in the U.S. Army for nearly four decades. In June 2000, he was promoted to four-star General and assumed command of U.S. armed forces in a 25-country region, including the Middle East. It was in this position that Gen. Franks led American and Coalition troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Since his retirement from the military in 2003, Gen. Franks has traveled the world speaking about leadership, character and the value of democracy. His autobiography, American Soldier , debuted as #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list in August 2004.
"I am thrilled to become a part of the NCPA," Gen. Franks said. "This is a first-class organization that has proven it can develop ideas that provide solutions to the problems Americans face everyday."
NCPA president John Goodman said Gen. Franks is the perfect choice to bring additional insight and leadership to the NCPA's board of directors. "Gen. Franks is well-respected throughout the world," Goodman said. "It is a privilege to welcome him to the NCPA board."
Gen. Franks also serves on the board of directors of the Bank of America and CEC Entertainment, as well as the board of the National Park Foundation. He is an advisor to the Central Command Memorial Foundation and the Military Child Education Coalition, and is a spokesman for the Southeastern Guide Dogs Organization.
Gen. Franks earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the University of Texas, Arlington, and graduated from Shippensburg University with a master's degree in Public Administration. He also is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and the Army War College.