Michael Abrashoff

At the age of 36, Michael Abrashoff was selected to become Commander of U.S.S. Benfold, at the time he was the most junior commanding officer in the Pacific Fleet. The challenges were staggering with exceptionally low morale and unacceptably high turnover.

Few thought that this ship could improve, but Michael only became more resolved. The solution was a system of beliefs that Michael calls GrassRoots Leadership. A process of replacing command and control with commitment and cohesion, by engaging the hearts, minds, and loyalties of workers - a belief that Michael achieves with conviction and humility. This meant interviewing every single person on his ship, from the most senior officer to the lowest recruit. It was an experience that began to generate invaluable ideas, often from unexpected sources.

By every measure, these principles were able to achieve breakthrough results. Personnel turnover decreased to an unprecedented one percent. The rate of military promotions tripled, and operating expenses were slashed by 25 percent. The U.S.S. Benfold became regarded as the finest ship in the Pacific Fleet, winning the prestigious Spokane Trophy for having the highest degree of combat readiness.

Michael's leadership skills have been honed through a number of challenging roles. Prior to commanding U.S.S. Benfold, Michael served as the military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Dr. William J. Perry. In this demanding role, Michael accompanied the Secretary of Defense throughout the world on critical missions of national security.

Other experiences that have influenced Michael's leadership skills include helping to draft the air defense plan for naval forces in the Persian Gulf in 1990, coinciding with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait; and serving as the executive officer of the Cruiser Shiloh, where he traveled to the Persian Gulf in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq.

Michael is originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, and is a 1982 graduate of the Naval Academy of Annapolis. He currently lives in Virginia.