LOUISVILLE, Ky. — USA Cares, a national nonprofit organization supporting military families in crisis, today announced that Vice President of Career Transition, Trace Chesser, has been appointed to serve as Interim President/CEO, effective immediately. Chesser succeeds Hank Patton, who served as the organization’s prior President/CEO since 2015.
“We are delighted to have Trace Chesser assume the role of USA Cares’ Interim President/CEO,” said Bill Roby Sr., National Board chairman of USA Cares. “Trace is a world-class executive who brings a wealth of experience and leadership during this important time for USA Cares. The members of our National Board and I are more than confident in Trace’s ability to lead our organization forward as we navigate the process of securing a permanent President/CEO.”
Chesser, an Army combat veteran, joined USA Cares in February 2018, with the intent of aiding transitioning military, National Guard and Reservist veterans, as well as military spouses, to overcome the challenges they face in obtaining employment opportunities. As Vice President of Career Transition, Chesser focused on assisting clients with obtaining suitable employment, which ultimately would reduce their need for Housing and Emergency assistance.
Prior to joining the USA Cares team, Chesser was a managing partner of SCOUT Solutions Group, an executive search firm. With SCOUT, he was responsible for the business development strategies, policies and procedures, and government contracting operations. From 2010 to 2015, he was the Vice President of Career Services for Sullivan University System. There he was charged with developing new systems that would improve the graduate employment opportunities, increase salaries, enhance business development opportunities. He was also instrumental in developing relationships with the U.S. Military.
Prior to his corporate roles, Chesser served in the United States Army where he functioned in a variety of roles ranging from combat arms occupations to positions with the U.S. Army’s Recruiting Command. Additionally, Chesser served as an instructor for the U.S. Army Air Assault School, an observer and controller for the Joint Readiness Training Center and in leadership positions within several combat operations units. Chesser served in the Gulf War with the 101st Airborne Division and has graduated from several military leadership courses and specialized combat operations schools. His civilian education includes a Masters in Business Administration from Sullivan University and Bachelor of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
According to USA Cares’ National Board of Directors, a decision regarding a permanent President/CEO will be made at a later date.
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