When Gina Marie Grosso reflects on her 32-year military career, teamwork consistently emerges as a key aspect of her experience. Although wearing a uniform created cohesion, the real bond occurred while working together for a common mission. After retiring as deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel, and services for the U.S. Air Force, Grosso’s commitment to collaboration remains strong in civilian life.
Family Impact on Military Service
“Much of my success is just from growing up with a WWII, Korean War and Vietnam [veteran] father,” Grosso says. Additionally, her mother’s academic achievements were a source of inspiration. “When I was in fifth grade, she went back to college,” she says. While Grosso attended Carnegie Mellon University, her mother was earning a Doctor of Philosophy. These family influences lit the way for an impactful military career.
Prior to her career, Grosso studied operations research at Carnegie Mellon University. Initially, she entered the U.S. Air Force to fund her education. However, what started as a practical decision turned into a lifelong pursuit of service.
Listen First, Lead Second
Grosso’s first assignment was at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a mathematician, she was responsible for testing cluster bomb units. This exposure to fieldwork and precision analysis thrilled her. However, a turning point came while working at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia. She served in Tactical Air Command for five years, which included the duration of the Gulf War. During this time, people analytics piqued her interest, and she discovered that helping others was her true calling. “There are jobs where people don’t need to talk to anybody, but those are the jobs that aren’t good for me,” she says.
Grosso’s focus on human connection extended through every assignment. For example, she led the U.S. Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program. In this role, she helped establish a new office dedicated to confronting misconduct and providing services to sexual assault survivors.
As one of the first joint base commanders, Grosso united the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard operations under one installation. She earned trust despite institutional resistance. The key to success with this endeavor stemmed from respecting the value of every service, regardless of the uniform. “I think a lot of people in high positions think they just do all the directing, but they’re far better off listening,” she says.
Mission-Driven Leadership Values
Private sector work introduced different challenges but familiar lessons. At Golden Key Group and later at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Grosso relied on her operational and people management strengths. Whether leading a base or managing human resources administration, she makes it a point to understand the mission, value the team, and do the right thing.
Although Grosso is retired, her service to the nation hasn’t ceased. “Even though I’m not in uniform anymore, I work for people, and working for a common goal,” she says. For instance, she works part-time for a service-disabled veteran-owned business. Additionally, she serves on a defense advisory committee that was chartered to prevent sexual misconduct. Her volunteer work at food kitchens and support for organizations like Doctors Without Borders reflect her belief in service.
Reflections on Military Progress
Regarding the government, Grosso has concerns about its direction. On the one hand, she’s pleased with the number of senior women in the military service. However, other matters give her reason to pause. “There have already been articles in the paper that we’ve got a fascist government,” she says. “I would never have thought in my lifetime that that would be something I would be concerned about.”
Amid these issues, Grosso’s career highlights are numerous. Success, as she sees it, comes down to doing your best with what you have. This belief has carried her through three decades of distinguished military leadership and additional service in the private sector.
