Powell Closing Virtual Ceremony "Bridging Leadership: From Battlefield to Boardroom" ft. General Kip Ward and SAIC's Bernard Wille Height

Bridging Leadership: From Battlefield to Boardroom

Closing Ceremony: 2025 Colin Powell Leadership Institute 

Monday, July 7, 2025 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT | Virtual ZOOM LINK 

Join us for the Powell Institute's closing ceremony, spotlighting General William E. Ward, inaugural Commander of U.S. Africa Command, and Bernard Wille Height, SAIC's Senior Capture Director. Their dialogue will explore the evolution of leadership from military command to strategic roles in the private sector, offering insights into global security and innovation.

SPEAKER BIOS 

General William E. “Kip” Ward (Ret.)

Former Commander, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM)
Lifetime Member, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

General William E. “Kip” Ward is a distinguished former four-star General in the United States Army and a trailblazer in U.S. military history. He was the inaugural Commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), where he led efforts to strengthen security cooperation and build strategic partnerships across the African continent. Prior to AFRICOM, General Ward served as Deputy Commander of United States European Command and held multiple senior leadership roles both at home and abroad. He also served under Secretary Condoleezza Rice. 

With over four decades of service, General Ward is known for his expertise in national security, strategic planning, and coalition building. A lifetime member of CFR, he has remained an influential voice in global security and leadership. advising corporations and public institutions on defense, logistics, and organizational transformation. A graduate of Morgan State University and a recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, General Ward exemplifies excellence in service, diplomacy, and cross-cultural leadership. 

Bernard Wille Height

Senior Capture Director, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

Bernard Wille Height is a seasoned business development executive and the current Senior Capture Director at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a leading technology integrator serving the defense, civilian, and space sectors. In this role, he leads complex federal acquisition strategies, overseeing the capture of major government contracts that drive innovation and national security objectives.

With more than 20 years of experience in the defense and technology sectors, Mr. Height brings deep expertise in strategic planning, client engagement, and organizational growth. Prior to SAIC, he held senior roles across industry-leading firms, delivering results at the intersection of technology, security, and government modernization. Known for his collaborative leadership style and mission-driven focus, Mr. Height is committed to fostering the next generation of public-private partnerships that support U.S. government missions worldwi