Founding & Organization

The Marine Executive Association (MEA) traces its origins to an initial meeting held on February 26, 1982, at the Twin Bridges Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. This gathering brought together a small group of senior Marine leaders who shared a common interest in supporting Marines beyond their military service.

 

Those in attendance included:

• BGen. Jake Glick

• LtCol. Don Morris

• Col. Dick Goodale

• Col. Bill Tate

• Col. John Kinniburgh

• Col. Warren Wiedhahn

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During this meeting, there was unanimous agreement that the concept of a professional network dedicated to Marines transitioning to civilian life was both valuable and necessary. The group agreed to further evaluate the need for such an organization and to reconvene in the following months to continue discussions.

In its early stages, the organization was intentionally kept small, with participation extended by personal invitation. Col. John Kinniburgh volunteered to host the next meeting, helping to maintain momentum as the concept evolved into a formal organization.

By June 25, 1982, the first official mailing list was established, consisting of 19 Marines. Over the next several years, the organization continued to grow and formalize its structure.

The Marine Executive Association was officially incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia on February 26, 1986. It later received recognition from the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit veterans’ organization under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code on March 6, 1992.

 

Since its founding, MEA has grown from a small, invitation-only network into a robust professional community dedicated to supporting Marines in their transition to civilian careers, while maintaining the core values and camaraderie established by its founders.