The American Excellence Initiative

Andy Arnold founded The American Excellence Initiative after more than two decades of frontline service and a personal reckoning with the cumulative weight of that service. Throughout the course of his career, Andy overcame a mental health diagnosis of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and experienced suicidal ideation. 

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Andy served 19 years in law enforcement across patrol, tactical operations, investigations, supervision, and federal task force assignments. He was selected for a Department of State World Wide Protective Services assignment as a High-Threat Diplomatic Security contractor at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and later served in a civilian role with the Department of the Army. His experience spans a small rural agency, mid-sized municipal policing, federal environments, and national-level training platforms, providing cultural competence across rank structures, agency size, and operational tempo.

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A graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, Andy was Vice President of Class #375 and recipient of the Kremle Leadership Award. His career includes recognition as the 2009 Beloit Police Officer of the Year, multiple unit citations, the U.S. Army Military Police School (USAMPS) Leadership Award, and the Department of the Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal.

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The creation of AEI was personal. Years in high-stress environments led to unhealthy coping habits, poor physical health, divorce, and a degraded quality of life. Rebuilding his own physical, psychological, relational, and spiritual health became the foundation for the organization’s mission.

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Today, Andy is an established public speaker, certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and has been accepted into Grand Canyon University’s master’s program in trauma counseling. He integrates lived experience with evidence-based performance principles, behavior design, and leadership development to improve the long-term health of law enforcement professionals.