The Mission Continues Announces Appointment of James Gillen as Chief Development & Marketing Officer 

ST. LOUIS – The Mission Continues announced the appointment of veteran marketing and public relations executive James Gillen to the role of Chief Development & Marketing Officer (CDMO). Gillen’s selection brings new expertise, perspective, and a deep commitment to the organization’s vision for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities. 
 
“I’m truly honored and humbled to be joining an organization whose values so closely align with my own,” Gillen said. “The care that The Mission Continues takes with its approach to helping veterans is truly unmatched, and I’m thrilled I get to contribute to the cause.” 

As CDMO, Gillen is responsible for leading the organization’s marketing, communications, development, and national events departments in alignment with its strategic plan. Gillen will elevate the organization’s brand reputation amongst veterans nationwide and steward critical partnerships with community organizations and corporate partners. 

“We are thrilled to have a proven professional like Jim join the team at this critical time for our organization,” said Mary Beth Bruggeman, President of The Mission Continues. “Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this role that will, along with his experience as an Army veteran, be an incredible value add to our leadership team.” 

Prior to joining The Mission Continues, Gillen was the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for United Way Suncoast where he oversaw a brand relaunch focused on highlighting the impactful work of the organization and its partners in the community. Gillen is a US Army veteran and served as founder and CEO of Slate Media, a dynamic multi-channel media and public relations firm. 

Gillen’s appointment to this new leadership role comes as The Mission Continues approaches its 15^th Anniversary of investing in veterans to create real, tangible, and long-lasting community impact. The organization is poised to expand its Service Platoon Program into more cities and challenge more veterans to learn new skills through the Veteran Leadership Accelerator. 

About The Mission Continues 

The Mission Continues is a national veterans organization dedicated to empowering veterans as community-based leaders. We invest in veterans and under-resourced communities, developing new skill sets and equipping a growing veteran volunteer movement with the tools to drive positive change. We deploy veteran volunteers in more than 40 cities nationwide alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, address food insecurity, increase access to parks and green spaces, foster neighborhood identity, and more. Through this unique model, veterans are provided opportunities for personal connection and professional growth while generating visible community impact. This work is made possible through the generous contributions of our mission partners. To learn more, visit http://www.missioncontinues.org. 

Contact: Keith Thomas, Senior Director, Communications kthomas@missioncontinues.org