Jim Ellis II SM ’80 discovered an extraordinary opportunity for U.S. Coast Guard members while serving in Alaska. “My commander received a notice from headquarters, seeking recommendations for officers interested in a special program,” recalls Ellis.
This program was none other than the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA (SFMBA) program. For over 50 years, the Coast Guard has consistently nominated a service member annually to join this prestigious program. Since its inception in 1976, 50 Sloan Fellows and two participants in the Management of Technology program have graduated, and the 53rd student is currently enrolled.
With his tour coming to a close, Ellis took his commander’s advice and submitted his application. The Coast Guard endorsed him, leading to his acceptance into the MIT Sloan School of Management. In 1980, he became the fifth Coast Guard Sloan Fellow to graduate from this unique arrangement.
“My experience at MIT Sloan has been crucial for my entire career,” says Ellis, who, alongside his wife Margaret Brady, created the Ellis/Brady Family Fund to support both the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative and graduate fellowships via the MIT Sloan Veterans Fund.
“The success of those who have participated in the program speaks volumes about the Coast Guard’s commitment to continuing it,” he adds.
A Commitment to Global Change
Throughout its 163-year legacy, MIT has fostered strong ties with the U.S. military through initiatives such as the MIT Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the 2N Graduate Program in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
The enduring partnership between MIT Sloan and the Coast Guard enhances this legacy. Johanna Hising DiFabio, assistant dean for executive degree programs at MIT Sloan, emphasizes this collaboration signifies the Coast Guard’s commitment to leadership development, as well as the unique advantages MIT Sloan offers military personnel.
This is notably reflected in the careers of its 52 Coast Guard Sloan Fellow alumni, many of whom are often invited back to share their insights with current students. “Listening to our alumni speak about how their education significantly shaped their careers and their meaningful contributions to the Coast Guard and society is truly inspiring,” explains DiFabio.
Captain Anne O’Connell MBA ’19 expresses her gratitude, stating, “It’s fulfilling to give back and to help guide upcoming officers toward the same transformative opportunities.”
Among the most distinguished Coast Guard Sloan Fellows is Retired Admiral Thad Allen SM ’89, who commanded the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2010. Not only is he recognized as one of the youngest flag officers in the service, but he’s also highly respected among current and former Coast Guardsmen. During his tenure, Allen embraced digital innovation, advocated for arctic exploration, and strengthened partnerships with other military branches and private enterprises.
“Leaving MIT Sloan, you carry a desire to change the world,” Allen asserts.
Inspired by his father’s service following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Allen attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and held numerous sea and shore commands throughout his four-decade career. Many years into his service, he learned about the Sloan Fellows Program through a wide-reaching notification within the service. “My superiors believed this would be an excellent opportunity for me, aligning with my skill set,” Allen recounts, leading him to apply for MIT Sloan.
He joined a diverse cohort that included notable figures like Carly Fiorina SM ’89, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Daniel Hesse SM ’89, former CEO of Sprint, and Robert Malone SM ’89, former chair and president of BP America. Initially, Allen felt a gap between his government service experience and their corporate backgrounds, but he soon recognized that they were all becoming colleagues in leadership.
Embracing a Global Perspective
Many Coast Guard Sloan Fellows echo Allen’s sentiment, recognizing the power of their cohorts. “I’m surrounded by peers with vast perspectives and invaluable expertise from all over the globe,” says Retired Commander Catherine Kang MBA ’06, who served under Allen.
The SFMBA program attracts candidates from diverse backgrounds; the 2023-24 cohort boasts 76 percent international citizens. For Coast Guard Sloan Fellows, their domestic experiences are enriched by the global insights of their classmates. Retired Captain Gregory Sanial SM ’07 observes, “We had students from 30 to 40 different countries. This exposure broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of global experiences.”
After his tenure with the Coast Guard, Sanial pursued a doctoral degree focused on organizational leadership and transitioned to a career in higher education, maintaining strong, international connections cultivated at MIT Sloan.
Many attribute this enduring bond to the program’s emphasis on collaboration and networking. Retired Captain Lisa Festa SM ’92, SM ’99 notes, “The initial team-building activities were instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community among a diverse group.” MIT Sloan invests in relationship-building early in the program to ensure classmates are well-acquainted for the duration of their studies.
The most recent Coast Guard Sloan Fellow, Commander Mark Ketchum MBA ’24, reflects on the immediate connections formed in his cohort and believes these relationships will endure. Based on the testimonials from previous alumni, that belief holds considerable promise. “My cohort has empowered me, and I hope I’ve been a positive influence in return,” says Ketchum.
Tackling Major Challenges with Impact
Before receiving the Coast Guard’s nomination and acceptance into the SFMBA program, aspiring Sloan Fellows had already proven their leadership capabilities in various roles. Upon graduation, the recognition tied to an MIT Sloan degree paves the way for more demanding leadership positions.
For instance, Allen was appointed deputy program manager for the Coast Guard’s shipbuilding initiative post-graduation, reflecting the program’s esteemed reputation. “For the agency head to designate me, a recent Sloan graduate, indicates the program’s prestige,” he asserts. He then went on to work in the office of budget and programs, a pivotal position that has cultivated a legacy of leadership with Sloan Fellows.
Likewise, Rear Admiral Jason Tama MBA ’11 and Captain Brian Erickson MBA ’21 consider the office a channel through which they’ve embraced the strong work ethic essential for gaining an MIT Sloan education and becoming effective leaders. “I never expected to pursue resource management until a mentor advised me of its significant challenges and high-impact opportunities,” Tama shares. “You enter the Sloan Fellows experience without complete preparedness, but it transforms you significantly.”
“I attribute my advanced leadership opportunities within the organization to MIT, and I expect that influence will continue,” Erickson echoes. “Never turn down this opportunity.”
From the early classes of Ellis, Allen, and Festa to contemporary alumni like O’Connell, Kang, and Ketchum, Coast Guard Sloan Fellows consistently affirm the transformative impact of their experiences at MIT Sloan, emphasizing “challenge,” “opportunity,” and “impact” as recurring themes.
Joining the SFMBA program represents an incredible opportunity for individuals and the Coast Guard while benefiting the MIT community and society at large. “I look forward to this tradition continuing,” Tama comments. “I hope future prospects recognize the invaluable potential this opportunity presents, not just for personal growth but also for the advancement of the Coast Guard.”
Participation by U.S. Coast Guard members in this highlight of prior MIT Sloan Fellows is not intended as, and does not constitute an endorsement of, the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA program or MIT by either the Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Coast Guard.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
