March 10, 2025 Story by: Editor
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, who has served as the director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) since Jan. 3, 2023, recently reflected on her leadership journey. In an exclusive interview, she shared personal stories and insights shaped by her upbringing in New York City and more than three decades in the U.S. military. Her journey, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to service, has defined her role as a leader, a woman, and an African American professional.
Early Life and Aspirations
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, Crosland grew up in a close-knit community where strong family bonds played a crucial role in shaping her values. She fondly recalls the neighborhood of her youth, describing rows of small, free-standing houses and the deep connections she shared with her parents, two brothers, and sister.
From a young age, Crosland aspired to become a doctor. “I always wanted to be a physician, since I was about five years old,” she said, recalling how a childhood book ignited her passion for medicine. Her determination never wavered, and she credits her parents as her greatest inspiration in pursuing this dream.
Core Values and Leadership
Crosland attributes her success to three core values instilled by her parents: expectations, accountability, and unconditional love.
“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 emphasized the importance of service, a value shared by her family. “My sister is a teacher, and my brother is in law enforcement,” she said. “A lot of us serve, but you have to do good for others. That starts with doing good for your family.”
Her parents’ lessons in setting high expectations, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and recognizing the importance of contributing to the community continue to guide her leadership approach.
Identity and Perspective
As an African American woman in the military, Crosland acknowledges the challenges that come with her identity but does not frame her accomplishments through that lens.
“I don’t actually frame anything I do day-in and day-out in 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.”
She has grown to appreciate the significance of her position as a role model. “As I became more senior, I had a better appreciation of my role and responsibility to be a good role model for the community of women and African Americans and service members,” she said. “Folks will look at me, and they will see different aspects that resonate with them. And I’m accountable and responsible for the parts that resonate with them.”
Crosland is committed to making herself more accessible and transparent, ensuring that others see a leader they can relate to and draw inspiration from.
Mentorship and Investing in the Future
A strong advocate for mentorship, Crosland stresses the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders. She believes in investing in people and ensuring they are equipped for success.
“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 said. “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,’ regardless of your race, regardless of your gender.”
She also acknowledges the power of authentic and transparent communication. “I am mindful that if I communicate the right way, authentically, transparently, truthfully, that it will resonate with minorities, it will resonate with women because they’ll see themselves in me.”
Lessons from Experience
Reflecting on her career, Crosland encourages young leaders to stay present and embrace challenges. She recalls the intensity of her early years in medicine and leadership but advises against becoming overwhelmed by stress or uncertainty.
“When I was younger, everything was a big deal,” she said. “Everything felt intense. Everything felt that this was the moment, and looking back on myself, I would say, ‘take a deep breath. Be in the moment.’”
She warns against excessive worry about the future. “Don’t borrow worry from tomorrow; it will find you,” she noted, emphasizing the need to focus on present opportunities. “You don’t need to squander the opportunity because you’re worried about tomorrow,” she said. “So, I would say don’t blow things out of proportion. Do your best at what is at hand. Value how you do it with the people around you, make it a positive experience; you control that. Don’t cede that control to anyone else.”
Balancing Career and Family
As a mother, Crosland prioritizes family and rejects the notion that military service demands sacrificing personal life. She is deeply committed to being present for her son, who is soon turning 14.
“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 approach to leadership reflects this belief—valuing both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.
Career Milestones and Future Aspirations
Crosland looks back on key moments in her career that shaped her leadership style. From her time at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to her first command as a colonel, each stage taught her the importance of teamwork and trust.
“When I took my first O-6 command, I learned 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 (the Army) needed something different from me and learning how to bring a group together.”
Sports have always been a part of her life, earning her the nickname “She-Ra Princess of Power” as a young girl. However, if given the chance, she would love to master the piano. Music has been a lifelong passion, and she hopes to take piano lessons after retirement.
If granted a superpower for a day, she would choose to eliminate pain and suffering worldwide. This desire reflects the deep values of service and compassion instilled by her parents.
From her early dreams of becoming a doctor to leading the DHA, Crosland’s journey exemplifies perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to serving others. Her story continues to inspire those looking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
