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William Patrick Connelly

Biography

Patrick Connelly has already had lessons in using "innovative solutions from non-traditional sources." As a graduate of West Point, he deployed to Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division. Despite a background in engineering, he became the civil-military operations officer for the city of Muqdadiyah. "I never imagined that my success as a combat infantry officer would hinge on my ability to play charades with a 65-year old tribal sheik," he says. "Necessity - or as was my case in Iraq, chronically lacking an interpreter - elicits the most unexpected skills." Beyond negotiating with hand signs, Patrick helped establish city councils and oversaw construction of city halls, police stations, and primary schools. It is no wonder that he sees value in combined degrees in public policy administration and business administration.

The son of two police officers, Patrick grew up in a suburb of Houston, Texas. He went on to distinguish himself at West Point. He was selected as First Captain, commanding the 4,000 member Corps of Cadets, and graduated first in his class in order of merit - a rare dual distinction.

After six years in the army, however, Patrick concluded, "the most far reaching decisions shaping America's foreign policy were made in Washington." Having lived the practical consequences of foreign policy goals, Patrick wanted a chance to bring his experiences to bear in shaping those goals. A short term as a public policy adviser in the Texas comptroller's office further convinced Patrick that government must "harness the power and entrepreneurial spirit of the private sector for the public good." The most visionary leaders, he believes, "draw on numerous disciplines and build teams of open-minded individuals to tackle challenging problems."

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