Kees Rietsema consults in the Serving Leader and Greater Goal Coaching practices of Third River Partners.  He is an experienced leader and trained coach with over 40 years of experience in various environments, including civilian, military, business, and academic settings. In these environments, he served in multiple capacities, leading and developing organizations. His years of hands-on and practical experience, ranging from serving as an F-16 Fighter Wing Commander to being a College Academic Dean, are valuable to his practice in their scope and depth. Kees, former Dean of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide College of Business, now serves as an Associate Professor.

He is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and has coached both personal clients and organizations, including the Mayo Clinic and FedEx.  Kees holds a BS in Political Science and International Affairs from the US Air Force Academy. He received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Golden Gate University, a Master of Aeronautical Science (MAS) from Embry-Riddle University, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organization and Management from Capella University.  Additionally, he is a graduate of the Indian National Defense College in New Delhi.

Kees volunteers his time in numerous state and local development efforts and projects, including work with the Arizona Career and Technical Education (CTE) Quality Skills Commission, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Phoenix Bio-Science High School, and the Evans Churchill Tedx community building project.

Kees lives with his wife Liz and their four-legged friends, now numbering five, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Email: krietsema@3rd-river.com