National Veterans Museum hires first CEO

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter has been named president and chief executive officer of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) scheduled to open this fall in Columbus, Ohio, according to a news release.

Ferriter, who assumes his role immediately, is tasked with creating awareness about the new museum, building a team to run the institution and coordinating the museum’s grand opening.

The 53,000 square-foot museum and 2.5-acre memorial grove sit on the riverfront, in a premier location in downtown Columbus. Interior and exterior construction is nearing completion.

More than $82 million has been raised, through private philanthropy and public partnerships, to fully fund the construction costs and provide the beginnings of an endowment.

Ferriter was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1979, and participated in numerous overseas operations such as Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn in Iraq. He completed three tours of duty in Iraq in addition to combat service in Somalia, parachuted with paratroopers and Rangers more than 200 times and served as the lead conduit with the Iraqi government from 2008-2010.

After a successful career with the U.S. Army, Ferriter continued his commitment to serve by establishing The Ferriter Group, LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on improving organizations, leaders and teams, many of which were veterans, through a customized approach to refine organizational effectiveness.

“I have worked alongside the exceptional men and women of the military for my entire life,” Ferriter said. “To lead a one-of-a-kind organization like NVMM that seeks to tell the stories and honor the service of members of the military is a tremendous honor and responsibility. I am humbled.”

After the museum opens, plans call for an educational online curriculum and an interactive, virtual tour experience. More information is available at the museum website at www.nationalvmm.org.