Authentic Voices. Important Topics.

Chris Myers Asch
Leader in Public Service
Founder and Executive Director of the
U.S. Public Service Academy

Chris Myers Asch conceived of the U.S. Public Service Academy in order to help America give its young people more opportunities to serve their country in a meaningful way outside of the military.

"Sweet and noble it is to die for one's country," the Roman poet Horace once wrote. But in an age of the all-volunteer military when fewer and fewer Americans actually face combat, the struggle most of us face is not how to die but rather how to live for our country. While battlefield bravery offers a clear path to honor, civilian service is trickier, often filled with discouragement and distraction and disrespect.

As a Teach For America corps member, a Fulbright grantee, the founder of an educational non-profit organization, and a 2007 Echoing Green fellow, Asch has lived a life of civilian service and explored a variety of ways that young people can serve their country. His latest initiative, the U.S. Public Service Academy, aims to build the civilian counterpart to the military service academies, a "civilian West Point" that would offer 5000 students a free college education in exchange for a commitment to serve for five years in the civilian public sector.

Asch is a frequent speaker on crucial issues centering on public service and leadership. He has spoken at colleges, universities, and conferences including Google, Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, the University of Texas, the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and many others.

Asch's work has been featured in the New York Times, US News & World Report, Time Magazine, the Washington Post, MSNBC News, NPR, and other publications.

About Chris Myers Asch

"Chris is energetic, charismatic, and knows the topic when he speaks. He is also very engaging when he takes questions form the audience and gives direct, honest answers to tough questions."

Howard T. Prince II
Director, Center for Ethical Leadership
Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
The University of Texas at Austin

"Chris Myers Asch has been the embodiment of the public service ideal throughout his life. Creator of an alternative school system that reaches deep into the needs of the Mississippi Delta, he is an articulate advocate for the idea that each citizen should give back to the nation that has given so much to so many. Deeply informed by experience, he makes a persuasive case in every public setting."

Hodding Carter
Professor of Leadership and Public Policy
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"I have heard [Chris Myers Asch] talk to several audiences, large and small, friendly and dubious. He comes across as genuine, one who is acting from principle, a straight-forward leader who puts cause far above self. He is articulate, enthusiastic, and motivational--with a touch light yet profound. I have seen him move college kids and retired fuds alike. No one will ever go to sleep on him."

Dave Palmer
Lieutenant General, U S Army (Ret)

"Chris Myers Asch provides audiences with ideas on how we as a nation can work together to create a new generation of leaders actively engaged in social justice, equity and service. Passionate about the power of service to transform lives, he sheds light on the importance, practicality and application of pursuing public service careers after college. Chris is charismatic in the classroom, thoughtful when mentoring students one-on-one, and compelling when giving lectures to large groups. His passion and enthusiasm captivated our entire student body as he shared his own life's journey and encouraged our students to lead lives of consequence and meaning."

Mark D. Gearan
President
Hobart and William Smith Colleges

To book this speaker, call (206) 529-4711 or email info@samaralectures.com