FirstWave

FirstWave is a private alumni organization of U.S. Service Academy graduates (West Point, Annapolis, and Air Force) with a mission of promoting business and community leadership at the highest levels. Activities focus on annual leadership weekends with educational sessions, guest speakers, philanthropy, and social activities, as well as smaller regional gatherings and virtual events.
 
Membership is by invitation, via nominations from current members. In addition to being nominated, members must meet the criteria set forth in our membership guidelines. Membership is a competitive process and those accepted tend to be graduates who have left active duty and become senior business executives and professionals with a superior track record of career progression and good citizenship. The group provides access to an unparalleled business network, powerful camaraderie, support, and connection. 

Members have a variety of professional backgrounds including: venture capital, private equity, investment banking, and entrepreneurship. In recent years, more members are coming from a diversity of fields to include law, economics, government, and active duty military. Since 2000, FirstWave has held marquee weekend events in locations throughout the U.S., including New York, Boston, San Diego, Chicago, San Jose, Annapolis, Dallas, Seattle, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and more.
 
FirstWave is organized as a non-profit, non-partisan association, funded via membership dues. The organization recognizes that its members have broad interests and participate in a wide range of community, political, charitable, and business activities. Our code of conduct requires all members to act with integrity and mutual respect in all member communications and interactions. We take pride in helping each other lead and succeed. 

[updated 2022]