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Major General James Lukeman named CEO of Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
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MajTriangle, Va. (November 16, 2020) – The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation announced the selection of MajGen James Lukeman, USMC (Ret) to follow MajGen James Kessler, USMC (Ret) as the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s next Chief Executive Officer.  Following a transition period, MajGen Lukeman will officially assume the position at the end of the year.

MajGen Lukeman recently retired after forty years on active duty.  The son of a Marine, he was commissioned through the NROTC program upon graduation from the University of Notre Dame in 1980. A career infantry officer, he was privileged to lead Marines serving at every level from platoon commander to the Commanding General of Second Marine Division. His non-fleet assignments included tours at Headquarters Marine Corps, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Forces Korea. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue serving the Marine Corps with the Heritage Foundation,” said Lukeman.   “I look forward to building on the terrific work of MajGen Kessler and other Foundation leaders. Their remarkable achievements are an inspiration as we look forward to the future and what the Foundation can accomplish.”

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s mission to preserve and promulgate the history, traditions and culture of the Marine Corps has, most notably, included the campaign to build the National Museum of the Marine Corps. As CEO, MajGen Lukeman will lead the organization as it executes its vision to take the history, traditions and culture of the United States Marine Corps to all Americans and establishes new ways to carry out its mission. 

MajGen Kessler joined the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation as the President and CEO in October 2018.  As CEO, MajGen Kessler advanced the understanding of Marine Corps history throughout the county and led the Foundation to expand the exhibits open to the public in the Museum, including opening the extension of the Legacy Walk exhibit. He also led the initiative to take the Foundation’s mission beyond the walls of the Museum with plans to launch a traveling art exhibit in 2021, and double the walkway in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park by adding one mile of new concrete pathway. Most recently, MajGen Kessler safely guided the Foundation through changes required by the COVID-19 pandemic to include the re-opening of the Museum’s restaurant, shop, event spaces and theater in accordance with mandated guidelines.

 “I am honored to pass the torch to MajGen Lukeman,” Kessler said. “As we near completion of the Museum, we are at an important time in our Foundation’s history. MajGen Lukeman has had a distinguished Marine Corps career and we are looking forward to having him on board to lead the Foundation into the future.” 


About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
Dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of Marine Corps history, culture and traditions, and the education of all American of its virtues, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways not possible through government funds. The Foundation provides grants and scholarships for research and the renovation, restoration, and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. Having secured the necessary funding for the complete construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center, located in Triangle, Virginia, the Foundation’s current primary mission is to vigorously seek financial support to expand programs at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and beyond its walls. For more information, visit marineheritage.org.
1775 Semper Fidelis Way
Triangle, VA  22172 view map

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CFC # 47874
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The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation. Your charitable donations to the MCHF are tax deductible as allowed by law.
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