The recent events in our country...

As the CEO of an organization that has a stated purpose of “People living their purpose,” I have spent the last few days in deep personal reflection and prayer. The recent events stemming from the brutal murder of George Floyd have caused a ripple effect across every community, including our Qualigence family.

 My initial thought was to steer clear of the issue because of the pain that it has already caused. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized the importance of having a direct and open discussion.

 As your leader, I have an obligation to ensure Qualigence is true to its purpose, and to be clear about where we stand on the issues.

First, let me begin by stating that the former police officers involved in the murder of George Floyd DO NOT represent me or Qualigence in any way. Although I may be a white male, in no way do I condone or support the heinous crime that was committed by the men involved. At the same time, I DO support the brave men and women that put on a uniform each day with no guarantee that they will make home at their end of their shift.

In my experience, these former officers DO NOT represent the values and dedication of the men and women in blue who protect our families, our businesses, and our communities. Today, police officers across our nation need our support as a nation to ensure they can continue to protect our children and weed out those officers that do not meet the standard of the law they swore an oath to uphold.

Second, the protesters that have become violent or participate in vandalism and looting DO NOT represent me or Qualigence in any way. We have already experienced the unnecessary death of one man that has now turned into the senseless death of many others. Attacking police officers, burning down businesses, and stealing from within the same communities that are hurting does nothing to honor the life of George Floyd.

I wonder how many of the individuals involved in the violence care about the real issues we should be addressing. Those that hold the belief the two wrongs can make a right DO NOT represent me or the values of our organization. Those that take the murder of George Floyd as an excuse to steal a television DO NOT represent me or the values of our organization.

Third, those that use race, ethnicity, gender, or any other means to exclude or demean any human being DO NOT represent me or Qualigence in any way. As an organization, Qualigence WILL NOT support the marginalization of any individual for ANY reason. WE WILL support the inclusion of all people with a common focus on our purpose, our organization and our clients. In addition, we will actively work to eliminate any form of discrimination and/or racism in our communities, our workplaces, and our client organizations.

As an individual I WILL lead by example. I will not tolerate or engage in any level of discrimination. I will lead and encourage an open dialogue within Qualigence and externally to create and implement solutions to fight discrimination and racism.

My personal belief is that we were all created in the image of our Creator and are all equally valuable. Our differences should not cause us to judge each other. Our difference should cause us to be curios about each other and learn from each other.

Fourth, I WILL stand in support of the family of George Floyd. They needlessly lost a son and a brother at the hands of criminals who should and will be punished.

I WILL stand in support of the peaceful protesters who are focused on creating real changes and solutions through influence and not violence.

I WILL stand in support of those that are discriminated against for any reason.

I WILL stand in support of the men and women in blue who stay true to their calling.

I WILL stand in support of ending Racism.