Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mike Kessler began his career when he was commissioned a second lieutenant after graduating from the University of Washington in 1973. His 25 years of service to our country include command of two rifle platoons and time as the Series Commander and Assistant Director of the Drill Instructor School at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot. He also commanded a Landing Support Company, an H&S Company, a Marine Security Company as Marine Barracks in Bangor, Washington, and a rifle company with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines. In 1999, LtCol Kessler was hired as the first National Executive Director of the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League. LtCol Kessler has guided the program’s growth into one of the preeminent youth organizations in the United States which serves as a model for other youth groups in drug-demand reduction, having won six Fulcrum Shield Awards for excellence in youth anti-drug education. Also, the Young Marines program has expanded its purpose and intent to include engaging with the communities and endorsing a program that supports America’s veterans. Other organizational accomplishments include creating a series of summer programs, developing a national database, creating a National Leadership Academy, formalizing Veterans Appreciation Week, and producing a series of videos for which the organization earned six Telly Awards for video production excellence. LtCol Kessler retired to Everett, Washington, with his wife, Kimberly. They have six children and eight grandchildren.Mike Kessler began his career as a commissioned second lieutenant after graduating from the University of Washington in 1973. After serving 25 years in the U.S. Marine Corps in a multitude of leadership positions, LtCol Kessler was hired as the first National Executive Director of the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League in 1999. He guided the program’s growth into one of the pre-eminent youth organizations in the U.S. LtCol Kessler retired to Everett, Washington, with his wife, Kimberly. They have six children and eight grandchildren.
Vice Chairman of the Board
Mr. Alexander’s career in the United States Navy spanned 21+ years. At sea, he served as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer on two destroyers and then spent a tour as the Navigator aboard a guided missile destroyer. He spent the next 18 years in a variety of positions with Navy Public Affairs. His final Navy assignment (1988-1992) was as Deputy Director, Navy Broadcasting Service where he oversaw the operations of 38 Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) outlets around the world. After retirement from the Navy in 1992, John joined the staff of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society as the organization’s first public affairs professional. This 501(c)(3) non-profit charity was founded by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904 to provide emergency financial assistance to Sailors, Marines, and their families. In 2006, John was promoted to Vice President, Chief Communications Officer. During 2012, the staff, composed of 3,500 volunteers and fewer than 240 paid employees, disbursed more than $45 million in financial assistance to nearly 100,000 clients. John retired in October 2012, after 20 years of service with the Society. During his tenure, he raised more than $325 million to promote and support the Society’s programs. His last year of service set a record of $20.8 million in charitable gifts. Mr. Alexander earned his Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Arts (Journalism) degrees from the University of Missouri. His military awards include a Meritorious Service Medal and three Navy Commendation Medals. He continues to work as a development and public relations/communications consultant, primarily helping clients interested in providing assistance to military families.John Alexander’s career in the U. S. Navy spanned 21+ years in a variety of positions. After retiring in 1992, John joined the staff of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society as the organization’s first public affairs professional. During 2012, the staff disbursed more than $325 million to promote and support the Society’s programs. He continues to work as a development and public relations/communications consultant, primarily helping clients interested in aiding military families.
PRESIDENT AND CEO, MARINE CORPS HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Member of the Board of Directors
James Kessler currently serves as the President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. After a distinguished, 33-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kessler served as the in-country program manager of the Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program for DynCorp International in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Following that, he served as the Vice President of the Materiel and Maintenance Division at LMI. His military career culminated in his last assignment as Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), where he was responsible for management and oversight of the Marine Corps’ Military Construction efforts, energy, environintellectual compliance, and performance oversight of all installations’ logistics functions. He simultaneously served as the first Commanding General of the Marine Corps Installations Command, where he had command of 24 worldwide installations, leading a workforce of more than 31,000 people and managing a budget of more than $4 billion. Mr. Kessler holds a bachelor’s in history from the University of Washington, a Master of Science in systems management from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and a Master’s in military studies from Marine Corps University. He is a graduate of both the Executive Program in Logistics and the Advanced Program in Logistics and Technology in UNC Chapel Hill.Major General James Kessler concluded a 33-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps while serving as Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities) and as the first Commanding General of the Marine Corps Installations Command. He had command of 24 worldwide installations, managing a budget of more than $4 billion. He has received 4 higher education degrees in addition to other educational certificates. He recently served as the Vice President of Materiel and Maintenance Division, LMI. He currently serves as the President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Mr. Snow a retired Marine Corps officer that acts as a Federal Business Access Coordinator for Defense Firms. He has more than 40 years of military, business, energy, and government experience. Currently, he has been acting as the National Moderator for Defense Leadership Forum’s in person and on-line contracting summits. He is also a Fellow at George Mason University’s Center for Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security and writes on national and international business opportunities.
Mr. Snow served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations, Facilities and Energy). In this capacity, he was responsible for execution and oversight of all matters involving Navy and Marine Corps installations, facilities and energy. Mr. Snow developed an Energy Office in the Secretary of the Navy directorate, greatly improving the oversight and development of policy within Department. Mr. Snow oversaw the execution of Navy and Marine Corps family housing privatization projects, totaling almost 43,000 homes, as well as the largest expansion of Marine Corps barracks since World War II.
Mr. Howard Snow is the founder of a strategic federal business consulting firm: Federal Business Strategies and Solutions. His areas of expertise include identifying and qualifying defense and homeland security opportunities for clients seeking public/private partnerships with the government. Drawing on 40 years of military and business experiences, he offers FBSS’ clients a powerful blend of government knowledge and strategic business thinking to help in the understanding of the federal marketplace. FBSS navigates the complexitie of government marketplace issues for firms to build business-to-government and business-to-business relationships.
While an Officer (Lt Col USMC) in the Marine Corps, Mr. Snow worked within the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs in the Pentagon. Additionally, he served as a Weapons Company Commander, Combat Replacement Company Commander during Operation Desert Storm, Officer in Charge of Sub Unit 1, Supporting Arms Coordinator for the Range/Missouri Battle Group, an Aerial Observer in VMO-2 with over one hundred combat flight hours, and as an Operation Officers for a Marine Air Group and the Marine Corps University.
Mr. Snow is currently enrolled in a doctoral program and will conclude his studies next year. He holds a Master of Science in Education and a BA in Business.
Radio and Television Commentator
Member of the Board of Directors
David Webb is a concerned citizen, a radio and television commentator, and an active supporter of the Young Marines. He has appeared on CNBC, and numerous U.S. and international television programs. David serves on the board of directors of the Young Marines National Foundation; Wounded Warriors Family Support; and the Scarlet and Gold Foundation. He also serves as an advisor to the V.E.T.S. Program and to the Iwo Jima Association of America.David Webb is a concerned citizen, a radio and television commentator, and an active supporter of the Young Marines. He has appeared on CNBC, and numerous U.S. and international television programs. David serves on the board of directors of the Young Marines National Foundation; Wounded Warriors Family Support; and the Scarlet and Gold Foundation. He also serves as an advisor to the V.E.T.S. Program and to the Iwo Jima Association of America.
Member of the Board of Directors
Sheryl Murray, from Agar, South Dakota, graduated from Huron College, Huron, South Dakota, with a major in political science. After college, she was commissioned a 2ndLt in the United States Marine Corps. She was an adjutant/manpower officer with a variety of human-resource positions from the unit level to Headquarters Marine Corps staff level. Sheryl served 34 years active duty and retired as a colonel. Her command tours included series commander, Woman Recruit Training Command, Parris Island, SC; commanding officer, Education Center Company, Quantico, VA; commanding officer, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, SC; and commanding officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Forces Pacific. Of note, Sheryl’s staff tours included vice director J1/The Joint Staff, where she was assigned on 9-11. During that assignment, she was the US Delegate to the Women in NATO Committee, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, where she was part of a team that advised other NATO countries on policies to integrate women into their militaries. Sheryl received a Master of Science in Business Administration from Boston University in 1992; and she attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, graduating in 1993. Colonel Murray retired from the Marine Corps in 2006. After retiring from active duty with the Marine Corps, Sheryl was selected for the position of Assistant Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ADC MR&A), HQ Marine Corps and was appointed as a member of the Department of Navy’s Senior Executive Service (SES). She assumed this position in 2007, where she assisted the DC M&RA in the operation and management of the M&RA department—its programs, plans, policies, and studies—ensuring the integration of all of its diverse functions in the accomplishment of the Marine Corps mission. Sheryl retired from that position in 2016, after a total of 44 years’ service to the Nation as a Marine officer and a senior executive, with a focus on people. Sheryl continues that focus on people, now supporting youth nonprofit organizations. She serves as a director on the Young Marines Foundation Board of Directors and on the Young Marines Board of Directors. She also serves as a director on the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Board. Sheryl and her husband, Freddie L. Murray, also a retired Marine, reside in Leesburg, FL. They have two sons and two grandchildren.Sheryl served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 34 years, retiring as a colonel in 2006. She continued to serve the Nation in various leadership roles for an additional 10 years thereafter. Sheryl continues to focus on people; in addition to being on the board of directors at the Young Marines National Foundation, she also serves as a director on the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Board. Sheryl and her husband, Freddie L. Murray, also a retired Marine, reside in Leesburg, FL. They have two sons and two grandchildren.
PRESIDENT & CEO OF REED CHARTERS
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Reed retired as a Colonel from the United States Marine Corps after 26 years of service. He served in a wide variety of infantry leadership and staff positions. As the Commanding Officer, he trained and formed Battalion Landing Team 2/7 for service with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the US Indo Pacific Command Area of Responsibility participating in multiple Theater Security Cooperation Exercises and deterrence operations. He served as the 2nd Marine Division Assistant Chief of Staff G-3 and Chief of Staff to the Division Commanding General at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He served as a lead planner in the establishment of Marine Corps Installations Command and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3/5/7 for operations, future plans, and governmental external affairs for all Marine Corps installations. He served in multiple combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is now is the President & CEO of Reed Charters, LLC providing strategic planning and management services to Federal agencies, and in particular to the United States Marine Corps. The company focuses on National Security Strategy planning in the US Indo Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. He has a Masters of Military Studies from Marine Corps Command and Staff College and has attended Joint Professional Military Education II, Joint Forces Staff College; Senior Executive Level IV Antiterrorism Seminar, Joint Staff; Senior Executive Development Logistics & Technology Program, Kenan-Flagler Business School; Senior Executive Candidate Leadership Development Program, Office of Personnel Management; Infrastructure in a Market Economy Certificate - Public Private Partnerships, Harvard Kennedy School.John Reed retired as a Colonel from the United States Marine Corps after 26 years of service. He served in a wide variety of infantry leadership and staff positions. As the Commanding Officer, he trained and formed Battalion Landing Team 2/7 for service with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the US Indo Pacific Command Area of Responsibility participating in multiple Theater Security Cooperation Exercises and deterrence operations. He served as the 2nd Marine Division Assistant Chief of Staff G-3 and Chief of Staff to the Division Commanding General at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He served as a lead planner in the establishment of Marine Corps Installations Command and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3/5/7 for operations, future plans, and governmental external affairs for all Marine Corps installations. He served in multiple combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is now is the President & CEO of Reed Charters, LLC providing strategic planning and management services to Federal agencies, and in particular to the United States Marine Corps. The company focuses on National Security Strategy planning in the US Indo Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. He has a Masters of Military Studies from Marine Corps Command and Staff College and has attended Joint Professional Military Education II, Joint Forces Staff College; Senior Executive Level IV Antiterrorism Seminar, Joint Staff; Senior Executive Development Logistics & Technology Program, Kenan-Flagler Business School; Senior Executive Candidate Leadership Development Program, Office of Personnel Management; Infrastructure in a Market Economy Certificate - Public Private Partnerships, Harvard Kennedy School.
MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bob is a highly respected business professional with over 40 years of experience in leadership, management, and consulting.
A decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, businessman, and entrepreneur, he has always strived to positively contribute to quality youth-development programs that nurture and develop young Americans into responsible citizens.
He is a previous defense contractor, global consulting firm consultant, and business owner providing strategic leadership support and guidance on organizational and operational management issues. He is a former Mayor and Councilman of the Town of Hollywood Park, Texas.
Bob previously and currently has served with various nonprofits in various roles. He currently serves on the Board of Directors, Vice President, and Executive Director of the SS American Memorial Foundation, a Veteran and first-responder focused support organization in Seguin, Texas. He previously served on the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association Board of Directors and member of the Policies & Procedures and Membership Committees. He is a current member of the Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He formerly served on the Board of Directors for the San Antonio Conservation Society in roles as the Chairman, Strategic Planning-Implementation Committee; member of the Ethics & Protocol Committee; and Vice-Chairman of the Bylaws Committee; Finance Chairman of the Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) annual fund-raising event. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of San Antonio Crime Stoppers, Inc.
A native of San Antonio and graduate of Texas A&M University, Bob is a Lifetime Member, Texas A&M Lettermen's Association; Lifetime Member, The Society of White House Military Aides; Lifetime Member, Marine Corps Association; Lifetime Member, Military Officers Association of America; Lifetime Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars; member of the American Legion; Appointed by the Governor of the State of Texas as an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navies.Bob is a highly respected business professional with over 40 years of experience in leadership, management, and consulting.
A decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, businessman, and entrepreneur, he has always strived to positively contribute to quality youth-development programs that nurture and develop young Americans into responsible citizens.
He is a previous defense contractor, global consulting firm consultant, and business owner providing strategic leadership support and guidance on organizational and operational management issues. He is a former Mayor and Councilman of the Town of Hollywood Park, Texas.
Bob previously and currently has served with various nonprofits in various roles. He currently serves on the Board of Directors, Vice President, and Executive Director of the SS American Memorial Foundation, a Veteran and first-responder focused support organization in Seguin, Texas. He previously served on the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association Board of Directors and member of the Policies & Procedures and Membership Committees. He is a current member of the Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He formerly served on the Board of Directors for the San Antonio Conservation Society in roles as the Chairman, Strategic Planning-Implementation Committee; member of the Ethics & Protocol Committee; and Vice-Chairman of the Bylaws Committee; Finance Chairman of the Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) annual fund-raising event. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of San Antonio Crime Stoppers, Inc.
A native of San Antonio and graduate of Texas A&M University, Bob is a Lifetime Member, Texas A&M Lettermen's Association; Lifetime Member, The Society of White House Military Aides; Lifetime Member, Marine Corps Association; Lifetime Member, Military Officers Association of America; Lifetime Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars; member of the American Legion; Appointed by the Governor of the State of Texas as an Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navies.
Ph.D.
National Executive Director
Mike is a veteran Marine, educator, and father. After 28 years in the Marine Corps, Mike transitioned from finding and leading a few good men to raising two. Mike believes in the self-fulfilling prophecy of high expectations, the power of positive reinforcement, and the value of solid role models. Mike is committed to building the Foundation to the point that it can independently sustain the Young Marines organization.Mike is a veteran Marine, educator, and father. After 28 years in the Marine Corps, Mike transitioned from finding and leading a few good men to raising two. Mike believes in the self-fulfilling prophecy of high expectations, the power of positive reinforcement, and the value of solid role models. Mike is committed to building the Foundation to the point that it can independently sustain the Young Marines organization.