In recent years we have seen the move away from ‘politics as usual’ with non-traditional figures entering the political arena to disrupt the typical entrenched narratives. The election and worldwide popularity of Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand Prime Minister who prioritises national wellbeing and happiness is just one example of a new type of leader.
Brigadier General (Retired) Dr. Loree Sutton Next Mayor of New York?
Brigadier General Dr. Loree Sutton, ex-army general, physician, LGBTQ and mental healthcare advocate, is further example of a leader who attempts to bridge the gap between people and focus on wellbeing. She is a candidate who is bringing a centrist, holistic, “quality-of-life” based approach to rejuvenating and re-inventing one of the world’s major financial, technological, and cultural capitals, New York City.
From Brigadier General to New York Mayor?
Ira Pastor ideaXme life sciences ambassador interviews General Dr. Loree Sutton a retired military officer who served as a Brigadier General in the United States Army for over 20 years (one of only 15 female generals out of the 1.3 million soldiers serving in the Army) as well as a medical psychiatrist (for a period of time the Army’s highest-ranking), who was deployed to various locations including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, ad Egypt in support of the first Gulf War and other missions, and is a current candidate in the 2021 New York City mayoral election.
Ira comments: Over Dr. Sutton’s career she has been awarded Legion of Merit (a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements), as well as the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Order of Military Medical Merit. Dr. Sutton is also the founding director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, and served as a special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
Military Career and New York Department of Veterans Services
Over her career Dr. Sutton also served as Commander of the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Commander of the DeWitt Army Community Hospital, Deputy Commander for clinical services at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, and a special assistant to the Surgeon General of the United States Army. Dr. Sutton graduated from medical school at Loma Linda University, and completed her internship and residency in psychiatry at Letterman Army Medical Center. She is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, with an M.S. in National Security Strategic Studies, the National War College, and also has an undergraduate degree in business administration. In 2014, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Dr. Sutton as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, and from 2017 to 2019, she was its Founding Commissioner. She resigned in October 2019 to launch her campaign for Mayor of New York City.
A disclaimer, the ideaXme show does not endorse any particular candidate or political party.
On this episode we will hear from General Dr Sutton about:
– Her background – when she developed an interest in medicine, in psychiatry and mental health, and her journey through the military and public service
– What makes an armed forces hero (and successful clinician) want to get into politics – Her plans for “fixing” New York City and dealing with many of its current challenges
– Her leadership of New York City Department of Veterans’ Services
– Her views on current mental health issues affecting the city and broader society
– Her goals to turn New York City into a global tech hub laboratory, especially looking at investing in green jobs, technologies, infrastructure and renewable energy, as well as supporting STEM education
This interview is in American English.
Credits: Ira Pastor interview video, text, and audio. Follow Ira Pastor on Twitter: @IraSamuelPastor
If you liked this interview, be sure to check out our interview with Simon Anholt, Founder of the Good Country.
Follow ideaXme on Twitter: @ideaxm On Instagram: @ideaxme
Find ideaXme across the internet including on iTunes, SoundCloud, Radio Public, TuneIn Radio, I Heart Radio, Google Podcasts, Spotify and more.
ideaXme is a global podcast, creator series and mentor programme. Our mission: Move the human story forward! ™ ideaXme Ltd.
I’m with her in anything she’s willing to do. I was and still is a Mentor for Veterans and I met her Years ago when she served as the Director of Veterans Affairs for the Mayor. Way to GO!!! WHOAH!!!!!