ARLINGTON, Va., May 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation announced today it has selected Major General Karl R. Horst, U.S. Army (Retired) to be its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Horst, who replaces retiring President & CEO Ronald T. Rand, will assume leadership of the Foundation on June 1.
Horst retired from the Army on October 1, 2013 after more than 40 years of enlisted and commissioned service. Upon retirement, he worked in the automotive industry and then as a leadership coach, lecturer and consultant.
"Karl is the perfect choice to lead the Foundation over the next several years as we anticipate growth in fundraising and expansion of our programs to help perpetuate the legacy of the Medal of Honor,” said Louis R. Chênevert, Foundation chairman. “The integrity, leadership and engagement Karl displayed during his military and business careers dovetail seamlessly with the values embodied in the Medal of Honor.”
During his military career, Horst led soldiers at every level of the military to include commanding an airborne infantry battalion and brigade with the 82ndAirborne Division. He served as the Deputy Commanding General for Multi-National Division Baghdad responsible for more than 56,000 troops engaged in combat. He concluded his Army career as the Chief of Staff for U.S. Central Command, overseeing operations in 20 countries and multiple combat operations in the Middle East.
“I look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with Karl as we continue to spread the values of the Medal of Honor across America,” said Drew Dix, Medal of Honor Recipient and president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “Karl is known for his leadership and ability to get things done and he’s the right person to lead our Foundation into the future.”
Horst lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife of more than 35 years, Nancy. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected to be a member of the leadership team of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation,” said Horst. “I look forward to teaming with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the Foundation Board of Directors, and the Foundation staff to support our Recipients and programs. I believe we have a sacred responsibility to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal of Honor and the legacies of our true American heroes.”
Rand is retiring after serving for four years as the Foundation President & CEO. Under his leadership, the Foundation expanded the Medal of Honor Character Development Program to the elementary school level and created an online, digital program called LiveUp that lets teens teach themselves about the values of the Medal of Honor. He increased fundraising to their highest levels in Foundation history and spearheaded the opening of the Foundation’s Western Region Office in Los Angeles to expand fundraising efforts and programs on the West Coast. Additionally, for the last three years Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator, has awarded the Foundation its highest 4-star rating and the 2018 rating came with all perfect scores in accountability and transparency and financial management.
“We are grateful for Ron’s leadership and tireless work on behalf of the Recipients and our Foundation,” said Chênevert. “We wish Ron and his family a healthy and happy retirement.”
Visit www.themedalofhonor.com to learn more about the Medal of Honor, the Recipients and the work of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society:
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by the Congress in 1958 to create a brotherhood among the living Medal of Honor Recipients, to protect and uphold the dignity and honor of the Medal, to promote patriotism and love of country, and to inspire our youth to become worthy and dedicated citizens of our nation. Its membership consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. Today, there are 71 living Recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Society is unique in that its membership hopes that there will be no need to welcome new inductees because the Medal is only awarded for action against a hostile force in time of war.
About the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation:
The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation was founded in 1999 by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal. Through character development, scholarship and citizen recognition programs based on the values embodied in the Medal — courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism — the Foundation teaches all citizens that they can make a difference in the lives of others. The Foundation also supports the important work of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID #25-1828488, the Foundation carries a rating of 4/4 stars for fiscal management, accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, America's premiere nonprofit evaluator.