The Interdisciplinary Round Table: Welcoming Our New Honorary Directors & Charting a Course for Interdisciplinary Growth

November 21, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the induction of three distinguished professionals to The Council on Interdisciplinary Advancement as Honorary Directors/Members. Their vast, cross-industry expertise will significantly enhance our capacity to deliver high-level mentorship, guidance, and career advancement to our members.

Introducing Our New Honorary Directors

The collective experience of these new leaders spans military strategy, global security, corporate finance, competitive strategy, and executive business operations.

1. Michael Ring: Executive Leadership & Cross-Functional Strategy

Michael Ring, Executive Vice President at PRINTING United Alliance, is The CIA's inaugural Honorary Director. Michael's expertise is centered on driving business growth through LTV of accounts, audience development, funnel analysis, and P&L management. He brings extensive cross-industry experience from digital marketing & advertising, agriculture, finance, and automotive sectors, providing a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to our members.

2. Dr. John Horn: Economic Strategy & Competitive Analysis

Dr. John Horn, a leading economics course instructor at Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School, joins The CIA with a distinguished background in competitive strategy. Previously a Senior Expert at McKinsey & Company, Dr. Horn specialized in competitive strategy, war gaming workshops, and corporate strategy across diverse industries and geographies. His experience includes economic consulting for EY and The Brattle Group, focusing on litigation support, anti-trust, and patent infringement cases, and even includes interactions with a sitting U.S. President.

3. Jon Ahlstrom: Global Security & Strategic Command

Director Jon Ahlstrom, U.S. Navy Submarine Rotational Forces - West, joins The CIA as an Honorary Director. Director Ahlstrom's background offers a unique perspective on leadership and global strategy, providing unparalleled insights into high-stakes decision-making. His extensive experience includes serving as a Director for the National Security Council, The White House (AUKUS joint-task force) and as the Commanding Officer (CO) of the USS Columbus. He is also a dedicated member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

How The CIA Delivers Interdisciplinary Advancement

The Council on Interdisciplinary Advancement was founded on the principle that true career growth comes from bridging knowledge gaps and applying expertise from disparate fields. Our new honorary directors embody this vision perfectly.

As a member of The CIA, you gain access to an exclusive network and resources designed to propel your professional journey:

• Executive-Level Mentorship: Learn from leaders like our Honorary Directors who have excelled in diverse, high-stakes environments, from the Oval Office and Wall Street to executive boardrooms and commanding officers' chairs.

• Strategic Guidance: Move beyond siloed thinking. The CIA helps you develop a cross-functional and interdisciplinary skill-set, teaching you how to apply strategic principles from economics, military command, and technology to your specific career path.

• Networking for Growth: Connect with ambitious peers and established professionals who understand that career advancement requires a wide lens, not just deep specialization.

• Negotiation: We provide outreach to your managers, executives, and political leaders to discuss challenges you and other constituents face, arranging actual meetings, and advocating for mutually-beneficial changes.

Join The Council on Interdisciplinary Advancement: Elevate Your Career Trajectory

Are you a professional looking to break through a career ceiling? Do you want to learn how to apply competitive "war game" strategies to your business unit, or understand the financial P&L principles used by top executives?

This is your opportunity to join an organization dedicated to your advancement.

Become a member of The Council on Interdisciplinary Advancement today and start leveraging the unparalleled expertise of our network to achieve your professional goals.

Click here to learn more about The CIA and to begin your membership application.