Chris McPadden is a retired Major General in the United States Army, having served for 35 years. He currently serves as CEO and President of Drive Forward, a consultancy focused on strategic planning, organizational development and leadership training.
He previously served as a Co-President of the Grace and Mercy Foundation. As a retired Major General in the United States Army, McPadden’s’ past roles have included: Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy; Deputy Director of Joint Strategic Planning; Director of Concept Development and Learning; and Director of Future Plans in Afghanistan. Throughout his 35 years of active military service, Chris has mentored cadets and officers, developing the next generation of leaders in service to our country.He previously served as Chief of Operational War Plans at U.S. Central Command. He began his military career in the 3-505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. McPadden’s other command and staff positions include Assistant S3 and Long Range Surveillance Detachment Commander, 1st Infantry Division; Assistant Chief of Division Plans, Battalion S3 and Commander for 1-27 Infantry, 25th Infantry Division; G3 Strategic Plans, U.S. Army Pacific; Strategy, Plans and Policy Officer (FA 59); and Deputy Chief of Operational War Plans, U.S. Central Command.
Chris received B.S. in American Studies from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a M.A. in History from Brown University, a Master of Military Art and Science (M.M.A.S) from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a M.S. in National Security Strategy from the Army War College. His military education includes Airborne School, Ranger School, Infantry Officer Basic School and the School of Advanced Military Studies.
Chris is married to Linda, and they have two children: Jeremiah, who recently graduated from Wheaton College, and Mayla, who is a sophomore at Liberty University. He enjoys playing saxophone, chess, fishing, water sports, skiing, kit cars, weight lifting, and strategic investing.