Event Participants
Moderated By
Brittany Masalosalo Chief Public Policy Officer, HP, Inc.
Featuring
Cassie Crosby Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), US Army
Cassandra “Cassie” Crosby is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, executive coach, and strategist dedicated to helping leaders navigate complexity with clarity and purpose. During her 24-year Army career, Cassie led teams and organizations in high-stakes operational environments and specialized in logistics, operational and strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Today, she is the Principal at Iterata Solutions and Founder of Vertex Leadership Lab, where she works with rising senior leaders, founders, and organizations to strengthen strategic thinking, clarify leadership identity, and lead effectively through change. Drawing on her military experience and training as an executive coach, Cassie helps leaders and their teams translate complexity into clear direction and impact.
Cassie holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of New Hampshire, an MBA from Norwich University, and a Master of Military Art and Science in Operational Art and Strategy from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies. She also holds an executive certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University and is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation.
Naomi Slusser Navy Veteran and Reservist
Erica Jefferies Purdo US Army, CPT (Retired)
Throughout her career, Erica Jeffries Purdo has worked in both the public and private sectors. In 2018, she joined Johnson & Johnson and today, she is the Vice President of Strategy and Transformation for Global Corporate Affairs. Prior to joining J&J, Ms. Jeffries Purdo was the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) where she was responsible for over 1200 employees serving nearly 700,000 veterans. She also had the privilege of serving as a White House Fellow where she focused on building domestic and international public-private partnerships. Earlier in her career, Ms. Jeffries Purdo specialized in defense strategy and national security policy with assignments in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. She embarked on her civilian career after her time in the Army as an Aviation Officer, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot.
In her private life, Ms. Jeffries Purdo serves proudly on the West Point Association of Graduates Board of Directors and as an advisory council member for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. She is also proud to serve as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) emeritus, representing the State of New Jersey.
Originally from Cleveland, OH, Ms. Jeffries Purdo lives in New Jersey with her husband, Derek, and their two daughters.
Monumental Conversations
The Trust for the National Mall is pleased to continue its Monumental Conversations series in honor of America’s 250th in 2026. The series dates back to 2021, featuring special collaborations with leaders in arts, history and culture on the National Mall, including the Washington National Opera and the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C.