EP100: CEO Insights: Your Association is the Link

In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we sit down with Mark Bieger, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, member of the Class of 1991, and West Point parent. From his early leadership development as a cadet to commanding troops in combat and now leading one of the Academy’s most mission-driven organizations, Bieger shares thoughtful reflections on service, connection, and building community across generations of West Point graduates. His leadership journey underscores a profound respect for tradition and a clear-eyed vision for innovation and impact.Bieger’s path is rooted in nearly 29 years of service in the U.S. Army, where he commanded at every level from platoon to brigade including combat operations in Iraq. He later brought his strategic acumen to higher education, serving in senior leadership roles at the University of South Carolina and Louisiana State University. Now, as CEO of WPAOG, he leads with a commitment to transparency, mission alignment, and serving both the Academy and the Long Gray Line. His approach blends operational excellence with deep empathy and an unwavering belief in the power of connection.Listeners will gain insight into how Bieger balances tradition with innovation, how AOG programs are creating powerful generational bonds, and how the organization defines success through the eyes of its graduates. This episode is a must-listen for leaders in nonprofit strategy, alumni engagement, and anyone who values mission-first leadership grounded in service.--Key Quote:“ My one request of our graduates, that I repeat over and over, is to be connected. Connect with your classmates, if you haven't in years, connect, reconnect, strengthen that bond that exists in the class. Connect with your alma mater. Connect with our great Academy. And then in whatever way inspires you, connect with your Association. I think those connections will be rewarding, they'll make you feel really good about the path that you've been on, and it will inspire you for thoughts about what to do in the future.”-Mark Bieger, WPAOG President & CEO--Episode Timestamps:(00:53) West Point Association of Graduates: Mission and Vision(03:18) Defining Success and Leadership Principles(07:11) Balancing Tradition with Innovation(12:54) Supporting the Academy and Developing Leaders(17:22) Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement(23:38) Encouraging Connections and Final Thoughts--Links:Connect with MarkLearn More about WPAOG We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better!