"Leadership, when it's done right, it's done from the heart." Commander Armatas

In this compelling episode, host Tim Kinsella sits down with Commander Alexander P. Armatas, the esteemed Flight Leader and Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels. With a career that spans over two decades, CDR Armatas brings a wealth of experience and insight into what it truly means to lead with passion and integrity.

Born and raised in Skaneateles, New York, CDR Armatas graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. His journey as a Naval Aviator began at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, in 2005, and since then, he has served in various critical roles, including Schedules Officer, Weapons Training Officer, and Safety Officer, among others.

Throughout his illustrious career, CDR Armatas has completed multiple deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. His leadership and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious George H. W. Bush Leadership Award and the Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award.

In this episode, CDR Armatas shares his experiences from his time with the "Eagles" of VFA-115, the "Tophatters" of VFA-14, and the "Pukin’ Dogs" of VFA-143, to his current role with the Blue Angels. He delves into the challenges and triumphs of leading elite teams in high-stakes environments and the importance of fostering a culture of excellence and trust.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the principles of effective leadership, the significance of mentorship, and the impact of leading with heart and authenticity. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to be one, this episode offers a unique perspective on the qualities that define true leadership.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with CDR Alexander P. Armatas, as we explore the heart of leadership and the journey of a remarkable Naval Aviator.

visit www.blueangels.navy.mil for more information on the Blue Angels

uwf.edu/cfl

During the annual Women in Leadership Conference, we captured snips from the event.

• Leah Kinsella, Founder, Coach, Leader of Meditation - https://leahkinsella.com/
• Emily Ley, Founder, Simplified - https://www.emilyley.com/
• Moderator: Dannon Byrd, Owner, Tap the Coast
• Jacey Cosentino, Wealth management advisor, Peacock Wealth Management at Edward Jones
• Katie Garrett, Owner/Founder, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar, The Kennedy and Onassis
• Stephanie Knight, Founder, Escape Wellness Spa
• Jessica Lee, General Manager and Vice President, Kia AutoSport
• Tia Robbins, Founder, Taste of Pensacola
• Erik Stolhanske, Actor, Writer, Producer - https://erikstolhanske.net/
• Moderator: Nicole Stacey, Vice President of Destination Development, Visit Pensacola
• Holly Benson, Founder and CEO, Screen Corps, LLC
• Jen Grove, Vice President of External Operations, Baptist Health Care
• Robin Reshard, Community Advocate, Kukua Institute
• Alicia Tappan, Founder and CEO, Tappan Consulting, Inc.
• Pamela Barnum, Former Undercover Police Officer and Federal Prosecuting Attorney - https://pamelabarnum.com/
• Laura Hussey, Morning Anchor, WEAR ABC Channel 3
• Carmela Cook, Baptist Health Care

uwf.edu/cfl

Martha Dunagin Saunders is the sixth president of the University of West Florida.

In her 30-plus years in higher education, Dr. Saunders has served in academic and leadership roles at universities in Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin and Mississippi. Her area of academic expertise is in public relations and crisis communication for which she has won numerous awards, including two coveted Silver Anvils from the Public Relations Society of America.

Under her leadership, the University of West Florida has transformed into a first-choice institution.

She led UWF to its status as a top-performing public university in the Florida Board of Governors performance-based funding metrics for three consecutive years. The University also ranked among the top 15 public regional institutions in the South in the 2020 and 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges and was named a “Great College to Work For” by ModernThink and featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

She established the state’s first doctoral program in intelligent systems and robotics in partnership with the Florida Institute of Human Machine Cognition. She also oversaw the development of Florida’s first bachelor’s in cybersecurity degree program designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

As provost and executive vice president for UWF, Dr. Saunders established the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Engagement and the Center for Cybersecurity. Equity and diversity initiatives launched under her guidance propelled the institution to receive the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine six times. She also led the reorganization of the institution’s colleges and guided the establishment of two new named colleges—the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health and the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering.

Dr. Saunders’ vision is for UWF to grow beyond its beginnings as a regional comprehensive university and receive recognition as a leader in innovation and cutting-edge academic programs.

As an entrepreneurial leader, Dr. Saunders is passionate about creating innovative solutions for the dynamic challenges facing higher education. As a change maker, she drives action behind these solutions, propelling higher education into the future.

Dr. Saunders earned a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a doctorate in communication theory and research from Florida State University.

When Dr. Saunders is not attending to University needs, she and her husband, Joe Bailey, can be found walking, shelling, gardening, kayaking or fishing on her beloved Pensacola Beach.

uwf.edu/cfl