2016 Tillman Scholar

Eli Feret

Army
University of Chicago
MBA

“LEADERSHIP I LEARNED IN THE INFANTRY WILL HELP ME ATTACK THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS IN GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS.”

Following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, Eli’s commitment to service grew while studying at West Point, training as an Army infantry officer, and leading soldiers in Afghanistan. Learning that his generation’s challenges were not confined to the borders of Iraq and Afghanistan, Eli believes that his responsibility goes far beyond wearing the uniform and serving in our nation’s wars.

Eli plans to combine his Army leadership experience with the scientific study of business, to gain a breadth of experiences working in consulting, and to ultimately become a leader and reformer in government operations and technology. Eli understands that public sector organizations have many unique opportunities to impact our society, but they also face unique challenges. Witnessing many disconnects between talented leaders and a bureaucratic military system, Eli believes that lessons from the modern business world can be applied to government to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars while delivering the maximum benefit to citizens.

Eli also experienced – both in his family and those he served with – the consequences when the loss of purpose follows the confusion and trauma of combat. Because of this, he is passionate about mental health and helping fellow veterans find purpose through continued service outside of the military.