With 2017 Goals and Strategic Priorities Complete, Exchange Looks Forward to an Even Better 2018

It is truly an honor to be part of this incredible Exchange team as we start a new year. We are leaving behind an extraordinary 2017, which began with the Exchange gaining approval to pursue the Veterans online shopping benefit and ended with record sales after the benefit’s successful launch. We met the challenges of supporting our Warfighters in contingency locations all over the world, including new locations at the tip of the spear in Eastern Europe, Africa and South Korea. The Exchange also sprang into action to quickly move merchandise and manpower to push support to areas devastated by Hurricanes Harvey, Maria and Irma.

Our progress doesn’t end here as we look toward an even better 2018. EVP/COO Dave Nelson reflects in this month’s Exchange Post on our successes in 2017 and contemplates what the new year will bring.

Also in the Exchange Post, our new chief administration officer (CAO), Phil Stevens, will inform us about his work and military experience, plus his priorities for his new role and teams. Phil has been crucial in modernizing the Exchange’s information technology infrastructure as our chief information officer during the past five years, and I am sure he will bring even more innovative ideas to the Exchange as CAO.

Congratulations to each of you for your hard work and dedication in 2017. Your efforts ensured the achievement of our monumental goals and strategic priorities, all while serving Soldiers, Airmen, military families, retirees—and now all honorably discharged Veterans. In February’s Exchange Post, we will discuss our 2018 strategic priorities and provide an overview of what to expect as we continue to fulfill our mission of serving those who serve.

Onward and upward! Hooah!