Retired Major General Francis M. McGinn assumed the role of president of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) on January 2, 2024. As the chief executive officer of NGAUS, he oversees the association’s day-to-day operations in Washington, D.C., leading a team of 28 employees. He also manages the National Guard Educational Foundation, which operates the National Guard Memorial Museum, and the NGAUS Insurance Trust.
General McGinn’s primary responsibilities include providing unified representation for the National Guard before Congress and supporting a nationwide membership of over 45,000 current and former National Guard officers across 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
Elected as NGAUS president by the association’s board of directors in November 2023, General McGinn previously served on the board for 15 consecutive years. His military career spans four decades, all as a traditional, part-time member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. During this time, he balanced his military service with a full-time career in civilian law enforcement, including 30 years with the Massachusetts State Police and two years as commander of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
General McGinn began his military career in 1981 as an enlisted Soldier and earned his commission as a second lieutenant through the Massachusetts State Officer Candidate School in 1984. His final military assignment was as mobilization assistant to the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C., before retiring in 2021.
Throughout his career, General McGinn held several notable positions, including Deputy Commander-Army National Guard at the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and Assistant Division Commander-Support of the 42nd Infantry Division. He deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005 with the 42nd Infantry Division, serving as garrison commander of Forward Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq.
General McGinn holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts-Boston, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. His military education includes the General and Flag Officer Homeland Security Executive Seminar at Harvard University and the National Security Studies Management Course at Syracuse University.
His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with one Bronze Oak Leaf cluster), the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with four Bronze Oak Leaf clusters), and several Massachusetts National Guard awards.
William G. Gross served as the 42nd Police Commissioner of the City of Boston, dedicating 37 years to public service and community safety. His career with the Boston Police Department began in 1983 as a Boston Police Cadet, followed by his graduation from the Boston Police Academy in 1985. Over the years, he worked as a patrol officer in Boston’s diverse neighborhoods, served in the Youth Violence Strike Force and Drug Control Unit, and contributed as an instructor at the Boston Police Academy.
Gross’s leadership journey began with his promotion to Sergeant in 2004, followed by Sergeant-Detective in 2006. He spent much of his supervisory career serving the Dorchester neighborhoods, fostering strong community relationships. In 2008, he joined the Command Staff as Deputy Superintendent, and in 2012, he was promoted to Superintendent, taking on the role of Night Commander to oversee citywide police services.
In January 2014, Gross made history as the first Black American to be appointed Superintendent-in-Chief of the Boston Police Department, a milestone achieved under Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Police Commissioner William Evans. On August 6, 2018, he broke barriers once again when he was sworn in as Boston’s first Black Police Commissioner.
Throughout his career, Gross was known for his unwavering commitment to community engagement. He worked closely with community activists, grieving families, clergy, neighbors, and even protesters, always treating everyone with respect and dignity. His guiding philosophy, “If you want change, you have to be the change,” inspired both the community and his fellow officers.
Gross’s dedication and service earned him numerous accolades, including Departmental awards for bravery and meritorious service, several Governor’s Citations, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, and the United States Attorney’s Boston Office Award for Outstanding Dedicated Service to the Survivors of the Boston Marathon Bombing. He also received the Department of Justice Investigative Achievement Award and was named one of Boston’s 100 Most Influential People of Color. In 2018, he was honored with the Robert F. Kennedy “Embracing the Legacy” Award for his efforts to combat societal injustice and inequity affecting children and families.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gross is actively involved with organizations that align with his values, including the Massachusetts Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, and Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. of Eastern Massachusetts. He is a George Lewis Ruffin Society Fellow and serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Special Olympics of Massachusetts, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence, Boston Arts Academy Foundation, LEXIS NEXIS, and the National P.A.L. Board of Directors.
After retiring from the Boston Police Department on February 1, 2021, Gross left behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people of Boston. His career serves as a testament to the power of community connection and the importance of breaking barriers to create meaningful change.
This version is concise, professional, and suitable for a webpage biography. It highlights key achievements, leadership roles, and community contributions while maintaining a clear and engaging tone.
Mark Landolfi is a seasoned security professional with over two decades of experience in federal law enforcement, executive protection, and security consulting. He is a retired Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service. During his Secret Service tenure, Mark conducted complex federal and state criminal investigations, specializing in financial crimes and threats against high-profile individuals. His expertise includes surveillance, interviewing, evidence handling, trial preparation, courtroom testimony, and executing search and arrest warrants.
Mark held leadership roles as a group leader for various squads, including counterfeit, financial crimes, protection, recruitment, and personnel. He demonstrated proficiency in firearms, control tactics, warrant execution, mass casualty response, CPR. He also served as a member of the FBI Boston Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, conducting domestic and foreign terrorism investigations, and continues to maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance.
In addition to his investigative work, Mark acted as a liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, ensuring the security of high-level dignitaries, including the President of the United States. He is skilled in threat assessments, protective countermeasures, and managing protective operations, including personnel assignments, resource allocation, and logistics.
Mark’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and commitment security and protection will ensure the success of a variety of sensitive projects.
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