more on our founder

Steve Wischmann founded Horizon Performance Solutions (HPS) in 2013 and serves as President. He launched HPS following his 29-year career in the United States Coast Guard, during which he rose from an enlisted recruit to attain the rank of Captain (O6). Over the course of his military career, Steve successfully led thousands of people and managed numerous regional, national, and international programs, missions, and initiatives. 

"You aren't leading if no one is following - understand your people and what they need from you." 

His success earned him four command cadre assignments, the last of which was serving as Commander Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, where he was responsible for the full range of Coast Guard missions in three states and three Federal Regions with 1,800 miles of shoreline and 570 miles of international border, comprising Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Steve's extensive experience included a special staff position at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) where he filled several critical roles.  At DHS, Steve served as Chief of National Planning for the Office of Infrastructure Protection (IP), producing the first-ever Interim National Infrastructure Protection Plan; served as Chief of Staff to the Acting Assistant Secretary for IP, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations. 

"You define your day through your attitude - start out right."

Upon his military retirement, Steve translated his passion for building professional capacity in people, teams and organizations with the launch of HPS.  As a leadership and organizational development consulting company, HPS assists businesses, corporate teams, government agencies, public service organizations, and individuals improve their leadership, professional competence, and overall performance through tailored consulting and training support, assistance with all stages of the strategic planning process, and guidance in aligning people and purpose.   

"I believe that teams with effective leadership, who are strongly focused and properly resourced can accomplish anything - visualize success and make it happen."

Steve was honored to be a founding board member of the The Sled Hockey Foundation, and then served as the charity's Executive Director, promoting mind/body wellness for disabled children and adults. Having earned a M.A. in Public Policy and Management, with dual concentrations in policy analysis and public management, Steve also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Master of Public Administration program at Hilbert College, where his courses included Organizational Theory and Management, Values and Ethics in Public Policy, and Politics and Policy Analysis. 

"Developing effective followership is as important to organizational success as effective leadership. The first best follower is the next best leader."

Steve's honors and awards include the Distinguished Federal Executive Award, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Coast Guard 9-11 Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, and the Global War on Terror Medal.