About Chris Richie

My passion is helping people achieve their full potential. During my 34-year leadership journey, I have studied, taught, and filled leadership roles, and I am still learning to lead. I am a skilled keynote speaker, consultant, mentor, panelist, conference break-out speaker, workshop facilitator, instructor, and author. Let me know if I can be of service to you or your team. invisiblemedal@gmail.com.

* Three decades experience leading Marines in times of peace and war (1992-2022)

- Chief Executive for the largest Aviation Command & Control unit in the Marine Corps (2,500 people).

- Executive Steering Committee Chairman for a worldwide community of 10,000 aviation command & control professionals. 

- Previous board member of the Alabama Military Hall of Honor and the most senior active-duty Marine in the State of Alabama (2018-2022).

* Established public speaker with hundreds of engagements including:

- Keynote addresses for San Diego World Affairs council; Auburn University; All-in Credit Union; Marine Corps.

- Radio stations and Podcasts for Courage Radio; Rise Up San Diego; Tall Tales with Taco.

- Conference Breakout speaker (Auburn HR Conference). 

- Panelist & Guest Speaker: Auburn University; Troy University; All-in Credit Union; Community leadership organizations (Chamber of commerce; City of Opelika; Leadership Montgomery; Leadership Lee County); Veteran's Organizations; and Marine Corps (Dining out; Mess Night; Birthday Ball; Retirement ceremonies).

*Author of two Amazon #1 new release/best-sellers

- The Invisible Medal: Leading with a Higher Purpose, Next Chapter Publishing, April 2024.

- The Ladybug’s Gift, Next Chapter Publishing, October 2020.

* Three-time award-winning leadership author in addition to numerous publications

- Try the TEAM Principle, U.S. Naval Proceedings, July 2001

- SPMAGTF Leaders in Action, Marine Corps Gazette, August 2012

- Leadership Lessons from Nicaragua, Marine Corps Gazette, July 2020

- We Need War Principles for Our Generation, Amazon, November 2012

* Award-winning leadership instructor with seven years collegiate teaching experience

- Instructor Excellence Award (2021) and Director’s Servant Leadership award (2022).

- Air War College seminars classes (2018-2022): Strategic Leadership, Public speaking & Storytelling, Leading Large Organizations.

- Auburn University classes and workshops (2021-present):  Ethics, Leadership, Culture, Enneagram, Team building; Decision-making, Leading with Purpose, Organizational Culture, Lead with T-E-A-M-S.

* Top military Achievements

- The only aviation command and control officer to have served as a MAGTF Commander.

- Organizations under my direct supervision were awarded with the following:  Secretary of Defense Navy Unit Commendation, Air Command and Control Unit of the Year, CIA Medallion.

- Personal awards include Air Command and Control Officer of the Year, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, 10 additional personal awards for leadership, 5 deployments supporting combat and humanitarian operations.