Lieutenant General Robert Ruark USMC (Ret.) Named CEO of Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
LtGen Ruark brings 36 years of military and leadership experience to the role
ALEXANDRIA, VA (October 11, 2017) – The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation announced today the appointment of Lieutenant General Robert R. Ruark USMC (Ret.) as its new President and CEO. A three star Marine General with 36 years of military service, LtGen Ruark brings to the Foundation an impeccable record of leadership and innovation combined with a passion for the transformative power of education.
“After 36 years of service, I knew I didn’t want my commitment to our Marines and their families to end,” said LtGen Ruark. “To me there is nothing more essential than giving back to those who have put their lives on the line for this great nation. Few organizations have done that with greater impact than the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, whose life-changing work over the years has been humbling to witness. To lead this incredible collection of people in this noble mission is a calling I eagerly embrace.”
LtGen Ruark retired from the Marine Corps in June of 2017. During his final military assignment as the Military Director to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, he oversaw a global staff of 32,000 civilians, military personnel, and contractors. Prior to his assignment with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, LtGen Ruark was the only Marine other than General Randolph McCall Pate, the 21st Commandant of the Marine Corps, to serve as the Joint Staff Director of Logistics (J4). His other General Officer assignments include service as Director of Logistics and Engineering for United States Central Command and, separately, Commanding General, 1st Marine Logistics Group during combat operations in Iraq.
“Today the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is impacting more lives than at any time in its 55-year history. It is fitting that as we invest in the future leaders of America through these scholarships, we leverage the skills of our nation’s finest leaders,” said Lieutenant General George J. Trautman III USMC (Ret.), Chairman of the Scholarship Foundation board of directors. “General Ruark’s appointment as our new President and CEO holds great promise for the future of this organization and the families we serve.”
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, LtGen Ruark joined the Marine Corps in 1981 following his graduation with Honors from Miami University of Ohio. His academic achievements also include graduating with Honors from the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, receiving a Master of Arts degree at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and acting as the Commandant of the Marine Corps Fellow to the Pennsylvania State University’s School of Business.
Well wishes for Ruark’s tenure have poured in, including from the Commandant himself. “Congratulations to LtGen Ruark. I know he will effectively carry on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s critically important mission,” said, General Robert Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
LtGen Ruark succeeds Margaret B. Davis who, after eight years of mission success and growth at the Scholarship Foundation, has been appointed President and CEO of Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, Maryland.
About the Scholarship Foundation: Established in 1962, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children. Since its inception, the Scholarship Foundation has awarded $120 million in scholarships to 40,000 recipients. For more information on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, please visit www.mcsf.org.