John Stufflebeem

Many things define success. Experience. Advancement. Accomplishment. Often, people hope for that one profession in which they can excel and find success. But for a tireless worker, ambitious businessman, and dedicated soldier like John Stufflebeem, success is a recurring theme.

Most recently, Stufflebeem is the founder and Senior Vice President of the NJS Group, a firm specializing in crisis communications and strategic planning. Himself an expert in the field, Stufflebeem served as Deputy Director for Global Operations on the Joint Staff during Operation: Enduring Freedom and acted as the voice of the Pentagon in the days immediately following the September 11 terrorist attacks. He also offers time as an associate for Burdeshaw Associates, a senior consulting firm in the defense sector.

As a commanding officer in the US Navy, Stufflebeem served many operational tours in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets and earned numerous awards and decorations for distinguished service, leadership, humanitarianism, and marksmanship. He was also honored to serve as Deputy Commander of US Naval Forces in Europe as well as Commander of NATO forces. Awards earned during his exemplary service include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal. He retired from the Navy at the rank of Rear Admiral after 33 years of service.

During his educational pursuit at the Naval Academy, Stufflebeem was also a standout athlete. As a Navy punter, he was voted All-Conference and still holds multiple school records. In 2000, Stufflebeem received the Silver Anniversary Award from the NCAA in honor of his achievements. Following his impressive college football career, he was signed to an NFL deal with the Detroit Lions. He played four years with the Lions in concurrence with continued Naval engineering and aviation training.