MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Airman Leadership School bid farewell to one commandant and welcomed its new one during its graduation ceremony, Dec. 8, 2023.
Master Sgt. Ryan McConnell takes over leadership of the school from Master Sgt. Michael Williams.
“As we prepare Airmen for positions of greater responsibility, the future of Maxwell-Gunter Airman Leadership School looks bright with Master Sgt. McConnell stepping into his new role. His knowledge, skills, and ability to lead gives promise that the first-level professional military education our enlisted Airmen will experience is postured appropriately and in capable hands,” said Maj. Kevin Slaughter Jr., 42nd Force Support Squadron commander. “With this outcomes-based military education equipping Airmen, Guardians, civilians, and our joint partners to lead, I am confident that all air and space power professionals who attend will continue to excel as we prepare for great power competition.”
McConnell’s previous was as the section chief of the services flight, 42nd Contracting Squadron.
“I expect this to be a challenge for myself, the instructors and the students. With an evolving political and economic landscape, it is incumbent that we are fully committed to developing ourselves and those around us,” said McConnell. “I am excited to ‘lean in’ to these challenges and guide the instructors and students while they are learning to be competent leaders and enlisted warfighters.”
Williams assumed the first sergeant at the 42nd Mission Support Group.
“The instructor team at ALS were the best group of noncommissioned officers I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Williams. “Their dedication, professionalism, and execution of the mission imparted so many great things on Airmen’s lives. I am truly proud of the legacy they built and the culture they established. If it wasn’t for them the success of my tenure would have never happened.”