A leader's experience. A teacher's approach.
Ken Rodriguez · Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Retired) · Leadership Speaker and Educator
Leadership when it matters most.
For Ken Rodriguez, effective leadership has always come down to two responsibilities: accomplish the mission and invest in the people who make it possible.
During a 30-year Air Force career, Ken led organizations ranging from aircraft maintenance units and combat logistics teams to elite Air Force Special Tactics squadrons and international security cooperation groups. He commanded the 23rd and 24th Special Tactics Squadrons and the 720th Special Tactics Group, served as Vice Commander of 23rd Air Force, and commanded the U.S. Military Group in Honduras.
His experience includes operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans, and Central America.
Leader development has been a strong focus throughout his military service and educational work. He spent a decade in public education, instructed senior U.S. and international military and government audiences, and led leadership and mission-planning workshops for Special Operations units.
He founded and leads the Northwest Florida JROTC Summer Leadership School, a character-development program for high school students focused on leadership, teamwork, service, and responsibility.
Ken Rodriguez - Speaker and Educator
Leadership is service.
Ken examines what leaders owe the people and organizations entrusted to their care: clear direction, candid communication, sound decision making, meaningful recognition, team development, accountability, and trust.
“Leadership is service – it’s not about what you get; it’s about what you give when you’ve been entrusted to lead.”
My foundation for leadership.
“My Christian faith is the foundation of my life and leadership. I look to God for guidance, wisdom, and inspiration, and seek to follow Jesus Christ through a life of service.”
This conviction shapes Ken's approach to character, accountability, mission accomplishment, and caring for the people entrusted to a leader.
Explore Christian talks ↗Depth behind the stories.
Command and operational leadership
30 years across combat logistics, aircraft maintenance, Special Tactics squadron and group command, and senior Air Force leadership, including service as Vice Commander of 23rd Air Force.
International advisory leadership
Military advisory service in El Salvador, command of the U.S. Military Group in Honduras, and other joint and international assignments.
Invited presentations
Multiple presentations for the Air Force Special Operations School to senior U.S. and international military leaders and government officials, plus municipal Veterans Day and Memorial Day keynote addresses.
Professional instruction
Led or contributed to 11 three- to five-day Special Operations workshops (2019–2026) covering leadership, professional development, and mission planning.
Leadership education
Founded the Northwest Florida JROTC Summer Leadership School in 2011; 15 completed programs and 798 graduates, combining instruction, practical team challenges, and mentoring.
Formal education
B.S. in Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy; master's degrees in Aeronautical Science and Strategic Studies; Air War College.
Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker
Certified November 2026. Licensed to facilitate, speak, coach, and train using approved Maxwell Leadership personal and professional development content in accordance with program guidelines.
Making the lessons practical.
Ken draws lessons from his successes, mistakes, and mentors—and connects them to the challenges of leading modern organizations. His delivery blends compelling narratives, candid reflection, humor, and concrete guidance.
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Developing the next generation.
Ken founded the Northwest Florida JROTC Summer Leadership School, a character-development program combining teaching, practical challenges, teamwork, and mentoring. Leadership is learned not only by hearing the lessons, but by practicing them.
Leadership educationBring these lessons to your audience.
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