In this episode of the WPAOG Podcast, we sit down with Mark Bieger, President and CEO of the West Point Association of Graduates, member of the Class of 1991, and West Point parent. From his early leadership development as a cadet to commanding troops in combat and now leading one of the Academy’s most mission-driven organizations, Bieger shares thoughtful reflections on service, connection, and building community across generations of West Point graduates. His leadership journey underscores a profound respect for tradition and a clear-eyed vision for innovation and impact.
Bieger’s path is rooted in nearly 29 years of service in the U.S. Army, where he commanded at every level from platoon to brigade including combat operations in Iraq. He later brought his strategic acumen to higher education, serving in senior leadership roles at the University of South Carolina and Louisiana State University. Now, as CEO of WPAOG, he leads with a commitment to transparency, mission alignment, and serving both the Academy and the Long Gray Line. His approach blends operational excellence with deep empathy and an unwavering belief in the power of connection.
Listeners will gain insight into how Bieger balances tradition with innovation, how AOG programs are creating powerful generational bonds, and how the organization defines success through the eyes of its graduates. This episode is a must-listen for leaders in nonprofit strategy, alumni engagement, and anyone who values mission-first leadership grounded in service.
--
Key Quote:
“ My one request of our graduates, that I repeat over and over, is to be connected. Connect with your classmates, if you haven't in years, connect, reconnect, strengthen that bond that exists in the class. Connect with your alma mater. Connect with our great Academy. And then in whatever way inspires you, connect with your Association. I think those connections will be rewarding, they'll make you feel really good about the path that you've been on, and it will inspire you for thoughts about what to do in the future.”
-Mark Bieger, WPAOG President & CEO
--
Episode Timestamps:
- (00:53) West Point Association of Graduates: Mission and Vision
- (03:18) Defining Success and Leadership Principles
- (07:11) Balancing Tradition with Innovation
- (12:54) Supporting the Academy and Developing Leaders
- (17:22) Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement
- (23:38) Encouraging Connections and Final Thoughts
--
Links:
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.