MADISON – The Still Serving Veterans organization has named a distinguished Navy Rear Admiral, who is a Madison resident, as President/CEO, effective April 1, 2023.

Richard B. Landolt, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (ret.) will lead the non-profit organization, based in Huntsville. Landolt will assume full leadership responsibilities from Paulette Risher, Major General, U.S. Army, (ret.). After 11 years of compassionate leadership, Risher is stepping back from her roles of CEO, Chief Programs Officer and Board of Directors member.

To prepare for the best successor, Still Serving Veterans’ Board of Directors conducted a five-month, nationwide search.

Founded 17 years ago, Still Serving Veterans is a support organization that offers no-cost career counseling nationally and Veterans Administration claim and resource assistance throughout North Alabama.

“We looked for an individual who embodies the characteristics of a servant-leader, is a veteran and has the experience to continue the onward and upward trajectory of service to our veterans,” John T. Wright, Colonel, U.S. Army (ret.) said. Wright is Chair of Still Serving Veterans Board of Directors.

During his 32-year career in the U.S. Navy, Landolt commanded Amphibious Forces for the 7th Fleet (Task Force 76) in Okinawa, Japan, and directed five humanitarian assistance efforts throughout Asia. He also served as Deputy Director of the Expeditionary Warfare Division on the Navy staff and was a senior fellow on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group.

After retiring from the Navy in 2014, Landolt served as Executive Director of Public Safety for the City of Mobile. He was then appointed Secretary of Defense Representative to NATO and Europe/Defense Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to NATO from 2017 to 2021 in Brussels, Belgium.

“I’m excited about joining the SSV team and look forward to continuing the great work of this award-winning organization. This new role is particularly meaningful as it will allow me to give back to the men and women who have honorably served our nation,” Landolt said.

“My family and I are happy to be setting down roots in the veteran-friendly Huntsville community. I look forward to upholding and growing the SSV mission which aligns with my passion for giving back to our veterans,” Landolt said.

For more information about Landolt’s appointment, visit https://ssv.org/blog/2023ceo-landolt.