In an exclusive interview, I sat down with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, the fourth director of the Defense Health Agency, to explore her remarkable leadership journey. Throughout our conversation, she shared insights and experiences that have defined her path as a proven leader within military medicine. From her early days in New York City to her current role steering the DHA, she reflected on key milestones and offered practical guidance for those aspiring to lead with purpose and excellence.
Crosland was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, where she developed a strong commitment to service and leadership. She described her neighborhood as a tightly knit community of cozy, free-standing homes, where close family ties—with her mother, father, two brothers, and sister—laid the foundation for her disciplined work ethic and sense of duty. These early influences continue to shape her approach to leading with standards and accountability.
From a young age, Crosland set her sights on a medical career. "I always wanted to be a physician, since I was about 5 years old," she said, recalling her early determination. Inspired by a childhood book, she even wrote a poem affirming her goal. Her resolve never wavered, thanks to the high expectations set by her parents, whom she credits as her greatest motivators. Their guidance fueled her merit-based ascent through the ranks.
Her family instilled three core principles that guide her leadership: expectations, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. "You take those expectations, accountability and unconditional love, and you apply that to who you are as an adult and as a leader," Crosland said. "As a leader, my job is to make sure I set the conditions so that those expectations can be realized. Absolutely, I see the fingerprints of my parents on the accountability — you're here to bring value. You're here to contribute to this world no matter what, do what is right." She noted her siblings’ careers in teaching and law enforcement, emphasizing a shared family ethos of service rooted in delivering results for others.
Crosland frames her achievements through the lens of capability and impact, not personal attributes. "I don’t actually frame anything I do day-in and day-out in the terms of my race or my gender. That’s always been a hard question for me to answer," she said. "It’s not because I don’t understand the responsibility … certainly, there are challenges that come from being a woman in the military, there are challenges that come from being African American and being in the military." As a senior leader, she focuses on setting a standard of excellence, ensuring her actions inspire others through competence and accessibility rather than any specific identity.
A staunch advocate for mentorship, Crosland stresses the importance of building a ready and capable next generation. "The most significant thing I will do as a director is make sure the organization is positioned to continue its legacy of greatness to do the hard work," she explained. "The only way you do that is invest in those around you — to help them grow, learn and be positioned to say, ‘We’ve got to invest in our future, and so I’m committed to that for our entire team.’" Her authentic and transparent leadership fosters unity of purpose across the DHA, driving the organization toward sustained warfighting support.
Crosland prioritizes leader development to ensure the DHA upholds its high standards. She urges aspiring leaders to stay focused, embrace challenges, and leverage their current skills. "When I was younger, everything was a big deal," she said. "Everything felt intense. Everything felt that this is the moment, and looking back on myself, I would say, ‘take a deep breath. Be in the moment.’" She advises against fixating on future uncertainties, saying, "Don’t borrow worry from tomorrow; it will find you," encouraging individuals to seize present opportunities with confidence and control.
As a mother, Crosland balances her career with family life, cherishing her soon-to-be 14-year-old son. "The military does not make you sacrifice your family. We must sacrifice to be in the military, but we are not made to sacrifice our families," she said. "I’ve always had room in my career to balance." Her ability to integrate personal and professional responsibilities underscores her holistic approach to leadership, ensuring she remains present for key milestones while meeting the demands of service.
Reflecting on her career, Crosland pointed to pivotal moments like her 1989 graduation from West Point and her growth as a medical intern, which honed her resilience. Assuming her first O-6 command taught her to lead teams collaboratively, adapting to the Army’s evolving needs. "When I took my first O-6 command, learning how to be part of and lead a team versus being the one who gets to do it and drive it," she said. "It’s a different skillset and the Army at the time needed something different from me and learning how to bring a group together." As a general officer, she embraced greater responsibility, shaping a legacy of readiness and unity.
Sports played a formative role in her life, earning her the nickname "She-Ra, Princess of Power" as a girl. Looking ahead, she aspires to master the piano in retirement—a personal goal reflecting her drive for self-improvement. If granted a superpower for a day, she’d suspend global pain and suffering, a choice rooted in her commitment to service and improving lives, aligning with the values of accountability and contribution she learned early on.
Crosland’s leadership exemplifies resilience and determination, proving the power of merit and purpose. Her journey reflects a steadfast dedication to strengthening military medicine, leaving a legacy of inspiration for future leaders.