Dr. Peter Cressy to speak on leadership at the PAC
U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Peter Cressy
Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Peter Cressy will give a presentation on leadership in times of crisis and change at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. Cressy is the director of Executive Leadership Programs at the George Washington Leadership Institute in Mount Eaton, Virginia and the director of Executive Leadership Programs for the Washington Presidential Library.
In his presentation, “Leadership Through Times of Crisis and Change,” Cressy draws on the leadership strengths and strategies of historic world figures including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, applying them to today’s complex business, organizational and interpersonal environments.
“I’ve heard him speak numerous times,” county commissioner Chris Abbuhl said. “I think he brings great value for the whole community, not just for people who are in leadership positions, per se, but anybody who manages people.”
Abbuhl said Cressy’s message also provides greater understanding on what it means to be a good citizen.
“It’s important for the entire spectrum of people, but particularly young people,” said Abbuhl, who is encouraging high school government teachers to bring their students. “I think his message helps us understand what it means to be a good citizen and teaches young people how we became the type of country was are.”
According to Abbuhl, Cressy’s appearance is a signature event marking the kickoff of the county’s participation in the America 250 celebration, when the U.S. celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2026. As president of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, Abbuhl automatically gained a seat on the America 250-Ohio Commission.
Wendy Zucal, executive director at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, also sits on one of the America 250-Ohio Commission’s committees.
“Chris and I had just seen Dr. Cressy speak at an event in Lima, and on the way home, we decided to bring him in to kick off the Tuscarawas County America 250 program,” she said. “I’m a big fan of presidents and of learning from the past. I think there’s much to be gained in learning from their leadership tactics and using them today.”
Abbuhl said Cressy has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge regarding leadership skills through his 35 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Cressy served for six years as chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and for two years as president of the Massachusetts Maritime College.
Cressy also has over 40 years of experience coaching and educating seasoned and budding executives alike. His 28-year naval career included key appointments at the U.S. State Department, the House of Representatives, the Pentagon and several commanding officer positions.
“Dr. Cressy brings a leadership style that acknowledges that we all have an important role to play. He emphasizes the need for servant leadership, civility and unity when managing other people and how to work together as a team,” Abbuhl said. “If we build walls and don’t at least sit down at the table and have a discussion, then we can’t accomplish the goals we want to reach.”
Cressy’s appearance at the PAC is made possible through the support of major sponsors such as the New Philadelphia VFW Post 1445, VFW Ohio Charities and the Tuscarawas County commissioners.
“I really want to emphasize and thank all our sponsors,” Abbuhl said.
Additional event sponsors include the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, Kent State Tuscarawas, Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, Tuscarawas County Economic Development and Finance Alliance, Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Trinity Health System Trinity Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, Focused Finance Solutions, Lauren International, Dover Hydraulics, HV Coil LLC, and Jon and Cindy Elsasser.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.kent.edu/tuscpac or by calling the PAC box office at 330-308-6400. For general information about the program, call the Dennison Depot at 740-922-6776. The PAC is located at 330 University Drive NE in New Philadelphia.