Operation Homefront Announces CEO Transition

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Operation Homefront, the national military support nonprofit, announced today that Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tim Farrell, 48, has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer following the Board of Directors' acceptance of the resignation of Jim Knotts, 46, who led the organization since 2009. The effective date for the leadership change is Sept. 26, 2014.

Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors.  From humble beginnings in 2002, the organization has grown dramatically over a dozen years thanks to the generosity of the American public and corporate donors. Operation Homefront supporters share a common bond:  They are committed to making a substantive difference in the lives of those who serve or have served post 9/11 – acknowledging the selfless sacrifices of their families and those dedicated caregivers who stand beside and behind them. More than 90 cents of every dollar donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs benefitting military families.

"Operation Homefront is a vastly different organization today than when Jim joined the staff five years ago. We are serving more families in more ways, with a strong financial position, a strategic vision, and a network of supporters to continue our mission of serving military families.  Jim led the transition from a chapter-based to a national organization, with reach to all 50 states. He has helped ensure Operation Homefront is operating in a position of strength with relevancy for military families and veterans far into the future. Thanks to Jim for his dedication, commitment, and personal sacrifice," said Mark Foster, Chairman of the Board.

"When I left the corporate world to join Operation Homefront, my personal commitment was to support this generation of service members through what has become our nation's longest war. I feel I've done that with the end of combat operations in Afghanistan this year," Knotts said.  "However, with recent events, we all should recognize that our military service members and wounded warriors and their families will continue to need support for a long time. I am excited to continue serving those who sacrifice so much in the name of freedom."

Knotts will assume his new role as Chief Executive Officer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on Oct. 6, 2014.

Farrell has served as COO since January 2013. He is a retired Air Force officer with more than 23 years of service. His three combat tours span Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. Since retiring from the Air Force, Farrell has focused his career in nonprofit leadership, previously serving as COO of the San Antonio Children's Museum before joining Operation Homefront.

About Operation Homefront:  A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 2,500 volunteers with nationwide presence who provide emergency and other financial assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Operation Homefront has provided assistance to thousands of military families since its inception in 2002. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity watchdog groups, nationally, 93 percent of total donations to Operation Homefront go directly to programs that provide support to our military families. For more information, go to www.OperationHomefront.net.

SOURCE Operation Homefront