IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2009

CONTACT: Kelly Snow

University Public Relations Intern
724.738.2199

karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU ‘Success Starts Here’ spotlight features retired general     

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – William G. “Gus” Pagonis, a retired three-star U.S. Army general recognized for his logistical achievements during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and now vice chairman of the board of directors for Pittsburgh-based Genco, will bring his expertise to Slippery Rock University’s “Success Starts Here” speaker series Oct. 27.

Pagonis will lecture at 12:30 p.m. in SRU’s Advanced Technology and Science Hall. 

The free, ongoing series is designed to spotlight successful western Pennsylvania businesses as a way of inspiring SRU students and show them how regional entrepreneurs have parlayed business ideas into profitable companies benefiting the region.

SRU’s College of Information, Business and Social Sciences and the SRU School of Business are sponsoring the series.

            Pagonis has transferred his military experience to the corporate world. He will discuss the shortfall of government and corporate leaders and will offer leadership practices and management techniques he has employed that achieved desired results for organizations.

Pagonis will draw from his experiences and speak about leadership and logistics as well as how he has successfully applied what he learned in the military to the corporate world.

After leaving the Army in 1993, Pagonis was hired as head of supply chain for Sears Roebuck and Co. where he was responsible for all supply chain functions. Pagonis also served as president of Sears Logistics Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears, from which he retired in 2004. He functioned as the single point of contact for Sears Logistics and directed logistics for more than 2,500 stores in addition to a network of strategically positioned distribution centers.

Pagonis continues to set new standards for supply chain leadership. He is author of “Moving Mountains: Lessons in Leadership and Logistics from the Gulf War,” published by the Harvard Business School Press.

Pagonis has also served as vice chairman of the board at Combine Net, a Pittsburgh-based software firm; chairman of the board at Rail America, a short-line railroad system in Boca Raton, Fla.; and chairman of the Department of Defense Business Board under former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Story by: Kelly Snow, a senior communication major from Grove City and an intern in the SRU University Public Relations Office.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.