Todd Sowinski is the Senior Director of Global Enterprise Risk Management and Corporate Security at West Pharmaceutical Services in Exton.

Sowinski, who grew up in Atco, N.J., earned a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from Rutgers University and is a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served 25 years in the Army. Leading a Cavalry Squadron and Security Task Force in the Middle East is his proudest professional achievement.

“It was a diverse group of 850 professionals from across multiple Army components and units with unique skill sets and capabilities, operating at multiple bases and countries,” said Sowinski. “The team performed very well during that year, made a positive impact on our military and host nation partners, accomplished the mission, and made it home safely to their families.”

Sowinski shared his perspective on what makes a great leader.

“I had a manager who taught me people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” he said. “Successful leaders strive to serve others and are empathetic, professionally competent, and lifelong learners. They take the initiative, are willing problem solvers, share hardships, are mentors, treat people fairly, and lead by a positive example. I always strive to be a better leader and never want to let down my team, my supervisor, and my organization.”

For an executive at one of the leading manufacturers of pharmaceutical packaging and healthcare products, the pandemic was particularly challenging.

“Serving as a Crisis Manager during the recent pandemic was one of most difficult roles in my career,” said Sowinski. “Our company had a vital role in the vaccine supply chain, and our team was pressed to work extremely hard to accomplish our important mission of containing and delivering injectable therapies that improve patient lives. We were fortunate to have a dedicated and talented team who worked tirelessly across the globe to accomplish that mission in the service of others.”

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — Trustworthy resonates the most with Sowinski.

“Being trusted by team members and supervisors to do the right thing and get the job done is paramount,” he said. “Trust is earned by demonstrating loyalty, empathy, competence, and several of those points in the Scout Law. People tend to want to work with those they trust.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Sowinski and the 11 other BSA VISTA Leadership Megastars at an awards reception on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Kristin Conran at kristin.conran@scouting.org.