John W. Alexander

Director

John Alexander joined the Navy in March 1971 after receiving a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri on a full four-year Naval ROTC scholarship.

Following retirement from the Navy in 1992, John joined the staff of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society as the organization’s first public affairs professional. This 501(c)(3) non-profit charity was founded in 1904 by President Theodore Roosevelt to provide emergency financial assistance to Sailors, Marines and their families. Throughout its history, the Society has disbursed more than $1.1 billion in interest-free loans and grants to more than 4 million active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their families. In 2006, John was promoted to Vice President, Chief Communications Officer. During 2012, the staff, comprised of 3,500 volunteers and fewer than 240 paid employees, disbursed more than $45 million in financial assistance to nearly 100,000 clients. John retired in October 2012, following 20 years of service with the Society. During his tenure, he raised more than $325 million to promote and support the Society’s programs. His last year of service set a record of $20.8 million in charitable gifts.

Alexander has published four books: Liberty Centennial –the Fourth of July Weekend; A Living Tradition – The United States Navy Memorial; The Navy-Marine Corps Team: Defending Freedom; and The First 50: United States Naval Academy Class of 1957. He resides in Herndon, Virginia, with his wife, Theresa. The Alexanders have two children. He continues to work as a development and public relations/communications consultant, primarily helping clients interested in providing assistance to military families.