AAFES begins executive search for civilian CEO to lead military retailer

DALLAS — The Army and Air Force Exchange Service's leadership will undergo a historic transformation as it welcomes its first civilian director/CEO to the helm, the military retailer announced Wednesday.

 

The Defense Department has instructed AAFES to convert the Commanding General’s position to a nonmilitary director/CEO position, marking the first time in the AAFES’s 116-year history that a civilian will lead the organization. COO Mike Howard will take over as acting director/CEO as the organization’s board seeks a permanent replacement.

 

A “Change of Responsibility” ceremony that also will serve as the official retirement ceremony for the Exchange’s current commander, Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, will be held at Exchange headquarters on Friday.