“On Character” and Leadership Lessons with General Stanley McChrystal
June 13, 2025
On a sunny June morning, OceanFirst Foundation hosted a record‑breaking gathering of nonprofit CEOs and board leaders at The Mainland in Manahawkin.
The program featured a keynote address by General Stanley McChrystal, CEO and Chairman of the McChrystal Group. Drawing on decades of military leadership, McChrystal shared stories from his latest book, On Character: Choices That Define a Life. He made clear that character comes from choice, not inheritance, education, or status. The program continued with a dynamic conversation between OceanFirst Foundation Chairman Chris Maher and General McChrystal on developing future leaders, setting priorities, and living our values.
“I found Christopher Maher’s speech to be so insightful and powerful, it really touched me. I feel like he really captured the sentiments that we need to hear today and that will bring people together, to reunite us, and motive and inspire us. Thank you to General McChrystal there could be no better person to exemplify leadership and character and to remind all of us of what’s important.” – Patricia Stush, Matheny Arts Access
We were honored to welcome students from Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s Academy of Law & Public Safety join us for the presentation of the colors and the flag salute and to have Ella Zarrilli, a Brick Children’s Community Theatre alumna, for a moving national anthem performance.
“It was an honor for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s Academy of Law and Public Safety Honor Guard to present the colors at OceanFirst Foundation’s Summer Gathering,” said Dr. Michael Maschi, Assistant Superintendent. “As our students prepare for careers in law enforcement and public service during a challenging time, therefore, hearing from General Stanley McChrystal was both inspiring and affirming”. His message reminded them why they chose this path and the importance of leading with character. We are deeply grateful to OceanFirst Foundation for giving our students this unforgettable opportunity.”
Stay tuned for more details on our Winter Gathering coming December 19th!
