Jim Knotts named Chief Executive Officer of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) has named Jim Knotts as Chief Executive Officer effective October 6^th.  Knotts previously held the position of president and CEO of Operation Homefront. 

"It is the right time to turn over the day-to-day management and leadership of VVMF.   Jim is a veteran of Desert Storm and an experienced, talented executive," said Jan C. Scruggs, VVMF's Founder and President.  "Jim's leadership and strategic vision led Operation Homefront's transition and brought it to the high level of strength it has today.  Jim will bring his wealth of experience to expertly guide VVMF in our mission that continues to revolve around the Memorial, our role as educators and highlighting America's Legacy of Service in The Education Center at The Wall.  The Center is an important continuation of that mission as it will welcome home Vietnam veterans as well as veterans of current conflicts and display photos of the fallen to honor their sacrifice. I will continue to assist VVMF and the campaign to build the Education Center."

"Jan and VVMF have accomplished so much over the last 35 years, and I look forward to continuing the work he began to ensure service is celebrated and sacrifice is honored," said Knotts.  "I learned at an early age about the sacrifices of the Vietnam generation, and saw firsthand how differently service members were treated when I served during the first Gulf War. The support of our military during the current conflict, our nation's longest war, is because the Vietnam veterans vowed to ensure this generation receives the support and honor they have earned.  For the past five years with Operation Homefront, I have worked to support those currently serving, those who have served, and the families who served alongside them. I am honored to join the amazing team at VVMF and I share in their passion for this vital mission. I can think of no better way to honor this legacy of service across generations than championing the mission of VVMF."

Knotts was named CEO of Operation Homefront in 2009 after serving for two years on their national board of directors. He chaired the fundraising committee, which raised more than $30 million in support of the organization's efforts on behalf of military families. Prior to accepting the position with Operation Homefront, Knotts served as director, corporate citizenship, at Lockheed Martin headquarters in Bethesda, Md. In that capacity, he led the corporation's efforts in philanthropy, community involvement, education outreach and volunteer activities. In addition, he served as director for Web communications, where he was responsible for the company's public Web presence. Knotts is a former Air Force public affairs officer and veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Founder and President Jan C. Scruggs will continue in his current role, devoting more time to the campaign to build the Education Center at The Wall.   Time Warner is the campaign's lead gift benefactor and plans are to begin construction in 2018.

About VVMF and the Education Center at The Wall

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF is dedicated to preserving the legacy of The Wall, promoting healing and educating future generations about the impact of the Vietnam War through programs, ceremonies and education.

Three decades later, the mission continues as VVMF raises funds to build the Education Center at The Wall. The Center will be an interactive learning facility on the National Mall where our military heroes' stories and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The Education Center will feature the faces and stories of the more than 58,000 men and women on The Wall and honor America's Legacy of Service, including those serving in our nation's Armed Forces today. To learn more about VVMF and the Education Center at The Wall, visit www.vvmf.org or call 866-990-WALL.

Contact: Heidi Zimmerman
Phone: (202) 393-0090 ext 118
[email protected]

SOURCE Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund