Suffern, N.Y. and Selma, Ind. native William (Bill) Belknap is the President and CEO of AEONRG LLC, a construction services provider for government clients.

Belknap, who is a 1981 West Point graduate and received his MBA from Wayne State University, credits Michael Bayer, Chairman of the Army Science Board with teaching him key dynamics for successful and positive large organizational change.

“I learned from him, that with a vision and developing consensus, all things are possible,” said Belknap.

Belknap described one of his proudest professional achievements while serving the United States for 20 years in the U.S. Army, where he commanded, led, and trained combat units to be their best during the Cold War.

“The ‘War’ ended without a shot being fired and the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact,” said Belknap. “My units in Europe and the United States received numerous combat-ready and safety awards during which no military member was seriously injured.”

Belknap also shared his perspective on what makes a successful leader, stating that being a “Servant Leader” (providing the resources to subordinates and the team to reach and exceed consensually developed goals) has been his method of being successful throughout his career.

“I inspire others to success by identifying their strengths and then coaching them to maximize their potential and achieve/exceed their short and long-term objectives to the benefit of the organization,” he stated.

Belknap also continually works on his abilities as a leader so he can achieve and maintain professional competencies in an ever-changing and dynamic work environment.

“My thought throughout my career has been, ‘To be relevant/successful, you have to adapt to the current realities.'” 

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

“Bravery leads to confidence,” he said. “Confidence overcomes obstacles and unknowns toward achieving successful career goals and objectives. A notion that has served me well is the mantra, ‘If others can do it, so can I.'”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Belknap and the 11 other BSA VISTA Leadership Megastars at an awards reception on Thursday, Oct. 17, at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available at Boy Scouts of America. For more information, contact Kristin Conran at kristin.conran@scouting.org.