Dr. David E. Adams is the president and CEO of Adams Strategy Group, Inc., a specialized consultancy targeting strategy development, strategy deployment, executive coaching with a focus on courageous leadership, operational / organizational excellence, and high-performing teamwork. Dr. Adams started the Group’s work in 2002 after his return from his recall to active-duty service for the United States Navy where he served in key anti-terrorism and force protection strategy development and deployment roles in the Atlantic theater. Dr. Adams serves as the Group’s team leader and head coach.
In addition to his work with Adams Strategy Group and at Saint Vincent, Dr. Adams served in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps in various leadership capacities during a 22-year career of both active and reserve service including a tour of duty serving Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush at the Presidential Retreat, Camp David, as the command's contingency readiness officer. In 2001 Dr. Adams was recalled to active duty for his expertise in anti-terrorism and force protection as part of Operation Noble Eagle – the President’s call-up of reserves in answer to the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11.
David’s expertise lies in transformational and positive leadership, human and operations systems balance, operational excellence systems and strategies, and executive coaching. Dr. Adams is also adjunct faculty for the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government at Saint Vincent College, where he teaches courses in operational excellence. Dr. Adams holds a professional Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL). His doctoral project explored the effects of strategic and positive leadership on a high-performing health system team that reduced employee and patient harm by 80% in eight years using Adams’ operational excellence platform.
A Latrobe, Pennsylvania, USA native, Dr. Adams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the Virginia Military Institute, and his Masters in Operational Excellence from Saint Vincent College’s McKenna School for Business, Economics and Government. He resides in Ligonier with his wife, Roberta. Adams' interests include spending time with his wife and co-founder, Roberta, enjoying his children and grandchildren, and growing leaders up around himself.