Former U.S. Navy Commander to Share Transformative Leadership Lessons at 2026 Responsible Care® & Sustainability Conference

 The American Chemistry Council (ACC) announced Mike Abrashoff, former U.S. Navy Commander, as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Responsible Care® & Sustainability Conference & Expo, April 27–29 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event connects chemical industry leaders focused on environment, health, safety, and security.

At age 36, Abrashoff became the youngest commanding officer in the Pacific Fleet when assigned to the USS Benfold, a guided-missile destroyer ranked near the bottom in performance, with low morale and high turnover. In just 12 months, using the same crew, he transformed it into the Navy's top-performing ship through innovative, crew-empowering leadership, pivoting from rigid command and listening to his team, delegating authority, and fostering ownership with the mantra "It's your ship." The turnaround emphasized culture, trust, and empowerment, leading to exceptional combat readiness and retention.

"Mike's message of leadership through trust and engagement resonates deeply with the chemical industry's commitment to safety, sustainability, and Responsible Care®," said Mitch Toomey, ACC's Vice President of Sustainability and Responsible Care. "We are thrilled to have him share insights that will help our members lead with purpose and drive impactful change."

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After leaving the Navy, Abrashoff founded the consulting firm Aegis Performance Group and has advised over 1,200 organizations on leadership and performance. His flagship book, “It's Your Ship” (2002), has sold over 1.5 million copies, inspiring leaders worldwide with practical lessons from his experience.

The conference will include sessions on topics ranging from water resilience to elevating safety and sustainability performance across the supply chain, equipping attendees with practical tools, real-world case studies, and actionable insights.

For more information on this event, visit here.

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