Arlington National Cemetery Welcomes New Superintendent

2/18/2020

ARLINGTON, VA – Arlington National Cemetery welcomes new Superintendent Charles “Ray” Alexander, Jr.  Mr. Alexander is coming to the cemetery from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), where he served as the director of Contingency Operations and chief of the Office of Homeland Security at Headquarters USACE.

“We are excited to bring a seasoned executive to ANC, who has the competence, character and commitment necessary to lead the nation's most sacred shrine for its Service members and Veterans,’ said Karen Durham-Aguilera, Executive Director, Office of Army Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery.

Appointed to the Senior Executive Service in November 2014, Alexander has more than 41 years of combined federal and private sector experience. Previously he served as chief of Interagency and International Services (IIS) at Headquarters USACE.

Alexander became a Department of the Army Civilian in 2011, serving at Headquarters, USACE, initially as the deputy operations officer (G3) followed by service as the deputy chief, of the Office of Homeland Security. From 2013-2014 he was senior director for the Response Policy on the National Security Council Staff, in the Executive Office of the President. Before joining civil service, Alexander was in the private sector for more than five years. He retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of Colonel in 2005 after more than 28 years of service.

As Superintendent, Mr. Alexander will provide expert direction over all aspects of the daily administration, operations, and maintenance of the two Army National Military Cemeteries - Arlington National Cemetery and the Soldiers’ and Airmens’ Home National Cemetery.   He is responsible for the care and maintenance of over 650 acres, more than 6500 annual funeral services, the visitor experience of nearly 3.5 million annual visitors, over 200 civilian and military employees, , and an $80 million operating budget.

Mr. Alexander, a native of Richmond, Va., holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Richmond.

His recognitions include the Presidential Rank Award-Meritorious; the Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award; Silver and Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal, Army Engineer Association; and Order of the Long Leaf Pine, conferred by the Governor of North Carolina. 

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