Meet Matt "Mods" Modleski
From Enlisted Airman to USAF Thunderbird Pilot to Boardroom and Business Leader
Matt Modleski enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at just 17, rising through the ranks from Jet Mechanic to Air Traffic Controller before earning his commission through Officer Training School. He went on to fly the A-10 and F-16, ultimately serving as a Solo Pilot with the elite United States Air Force Thunderbirds from 1996-1997 — a role reserved for the best of the best.
After retiring from active duty in 2000, Matt transitioned into healthcare leadership, serving as a Manager and Director in leading sales organizations, a partner in a healthcare strategy consulting firm, and Executive VP of a Lab Information Systems company. As COO of a medical group navigating fully delegated risk in Medicare Advantage, he was at the forefront of innovation in value-based care.
Beyond the battlefield and boardroom, Matt has been married to his wife Dianne for 38 years. He spent over a decade coaching youth football and baseball, instilling the same principles of preparation, discipline, and teamwork he learned in the military. As a proud father of two highly successful sons, Keaton and Jacob, he lives the leadership principles he shares on stage.
Leadership Philosophy
Four pillars forged in the cockpit, proven in the boardroom
Over-prepared beats under-prepared every time. Excellence requires relentless preparation.
Combat-tested frameworks for making bold decisions when stakes are highest.
Mental toughness comes from talent, work ethic, preparation, discipline and attitude. Combined they create unstoppable momentum.
Performing at peak levels happens long before you need it, then when it matters most, the process you own separates elite performance from everyone else.
"The strategic principles that keep you focused at 550 mph, 125 feet and inverted, are the same principles that help organizations thrive in competitive markets: precision, teamwork, leadership and relentless preparation."— Matt Modleski