Mr. Nealis will provide an insight into the leadership process, focusing on developing and executing projects by identifying how your personality, chemistry and focus can transform an organization into a success. By reviewing key goals of the 33^rd Marine Corps Marathon, you will discover how overcoming anticipated obstacles may help you achieve success for your organization while reinforcing and solidifying your overall mission in the hopes of making dreams come true.

Rick Nealis has served as the Marine Corps Marathon race directors since 1993. Under his leadership, the Marine Corps Marathon has established itself as one of the best-organized marathons in the world.

Nealis was born on December 15, 1953 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduation from Villanova University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Course Program in May of 1975.

After completion of The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, Nealis entered his military occupational training at the Supply Schools in camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During his military career, Nealis served with the 1^st Reconnaissance Battalion and the 31^st Marine amphibious Unite while aboard the USS Tarawa, USS Okinawa, and the USS Tripoli when he was a part of the amphibious ready group during the Iranian Hostage rescue attempt. Additionally, he served with the 1^st Marine Brigade in Kaneohe, Hawaii and with the 3^rd Force Service Support Group in Okinawa, Japan.

While in the Marine Corps, Nealis succeeded in furthering his education earning a Master of Business Administration in Management from Golden State University and a Master of Science in Human Organizational Services from Villanova University. He also attended the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Later, he served as an instructor at the Marine Corps Service Support Schools and at Naval Reserve Office Training Course at Villanova University.

On August 1, 1995, Nealis retired from the Marine Corps after 20 years of dedicated service. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.

In 1996, Nealis served as the Olympic Torch Deputy Caravan Coordinator for the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. During this time, he had the distinct privilege of carrying the Olympic Torch on the longest leg of the relay in Young Harris, Georgia on July 16. Five years later, Nealis returned to the Olympic Torch Relay, this time as a member of the security team for the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. On December 19, 2001 he again had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

In 2006, Nealis was honored by the Southeast Neumann Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as their Man of the Year.

During his time as race director, Nealis has developed the MCM from a 26.2 mile race to a weekend long event, packed with activities for runners and fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The MCM boasts an economic impact of nearly $32 million, directly benefiting the Washington, DC Metro area, and serves as a platform for charity partners to raise an excess of $5 million for both local and national causes. Currently the fourth largest marathon in the United States and eighth largest marathon in the world, the MCM has welcomed over 360,000 finishers across the legendary Marine Corps War Memorial finish line and continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism.

Mr. Nealis has four children: Kelly, Colleen, Inge, and Markarius. A runner himself, Nealis boasts a Personal Record of 3:09:50 from the 1983 Marine Corps Marathon.

AGENDA

5:30 PM - PM Tools
6:00 PM - Cash Bar & Networking
7:00 PM - Dinner
8:00 PM - Guest Speaker
9:00 PM - Adjourn

LOCATION

Corporate table for 10: $450
Chapter Members: $40
Non-members: $50
Walkins: $60