IDB Connection – Issue 1
Quarter One In Review
By Mike Bogdahn, VP – Strategy & Dev
As we close Q1 of CY2025, I want to highlight the incredible momentum we’ve built together.
We welcomed the 2025 IDB Executive Fellows—an inspiring group committed to learning and collaboration. In February, we honored Dr.Smith’s team with the IDB Tuttle Award for their outstanding contributions to logistics and national security. On the national stage, we moderated the Joint Forces Panel at NDIA Orlando, driving key discussions on decision advantage in joint logistics. We’re also proud to announce our IDB President’s selection for the NDIA 2025 Logistician Emeritus Award,recognizing his lasting impact on defense leadership. Our educational mission remains strong, with 7 programs completed and 180 graduates already shaping the future.
Thank you to our faculty, staff, and partners for an exceptional start to 2025—let’s keep the momentum going!
Alumni Spotlight
Tara L. Schendel
Academic Advisor for Ed and Info Tech
Defense Language Institute – Washington
Industry Based Broadening Logistics (IB2Log), August 2023
Governor James G. Martin Critical Thinking Award Winner
As an Army civilian with limited opportunities for courses like the Industry Based Broadening – Logistics (IB2Log) program, this experience was invigorating. The program inspired me to create a professional network within and outside the government. I connected with remark able professionals during the course and have since engaged with others across the DoD and industry, discovering valuable resources. This new network is proving beneficial for my organization during this time of change.
I attended IDB to upskill for a new role. Thanks to the notes, presentations, and relationships I built, I entered my new position confidently, knowing I could reach out to my IDB mentors for support. My organization has benefited from the data tools and automated processes inspired by the business leaders I met.
The President’s Message
LtGen Mark Faulkner
Leaders – I am excited to share this inaugural edition of our “IDB Connections” with you. I believe you will like it. We have designed it to be informative on multiple levels. We have also organized the newsletter to be easily and readable and digestible knowing that as leaders you are incredibly busy and time is arguably your most valuable resource.
“SUCCESS IN NATIONAL SECURITY AND INDUSTRY ALIKE DEPENDS LARGELY ON CONNECTED, INFORMED, AND INNOVATIVE LEADERS.”
At the Institute for Defense and Business (IDB), our mission has never been more important; to equip leaders across the defense, government, and private sectors with tools to better meet and solve complex challenges. As we look to the future, I want to share a few key IDB priorities that are shaping our direction.
First, the operational environment is evolving at a break-neck pace. With growing global competition, persistent logistics challenges, and the increasing speed of decision-making, leadership agility is no longer an option – it’s essential. That’s why IDB is focused on delivering programs that not only educate and build leader competence and confidence, but also cultivates resilience and adaptability across all functional areas and communities. … read the full message here.
Recognizing Excellence
2025 GEN WILLIAM G. T. TUTTLE JR. AWARD
Dr. Theresa Smith and the JPEO A&A Team
At the NDIA’s 39th Annual Logistics Forum in February, the IDB presented the General William G. T. Tuttle, Jr. Award for Business Acumen in Defense and Government to Dr. Theresa A. Smith and the JPEO A&A Assured Munitions Team for bolstering supply chain resilience, improving operational readiness, and tackling critical vulnerabilities by applying LOGTECH Executive Program insights. Their success exemplifies the IDB’s mission to empower leaders with tools and insights necessary for lasting impact in defense and government.
Logistician emeritus Award
LtGen Mark Faulkner, IDB President
LtGen (Ret.) William M. Faulkner Named NDIA 2025 Logistician Emeritus
Lieutenant General William M. Faulkner, USMC (Ret.), President of the Institute for Defense and Business (IDB), was honored as the 2025 Logistician Emeritus by the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) during the NDIA Logistics Forum in February 2025. The award recognizes LtGen Faulkner’s lifelong contributions to defense logistics, both during his distinguished Marine Corps career and in his current role leading the Institute for Defense and Business. Known for his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainment excellence, Faulkner continues to shape the future of logistics through education and collaboration.