After more than a decade of compassionate, mentoring leadership, Major General, US Army (Retired), Paulette Risher, has announced her plans to retire as President/CEO of Still Serving Veterans at the end of March. Paulette has served as the President/CEO of Still Serving Veterans (SSV) since June 2019 demonstrating outstanding service and dedication to Veterans. She began her journey with SSV in 2012 as a member of the Board of Directors then took on the full-time position of Chief Programs Officer in 2014.
“Paulette’s insight and direction over the past decade have played a huge role in shaping the continued growth and success of SSV.” – John T. Wright, Board Chair, Colonel, US Army (Retired)
Established in 2006, this Huntsville-based non-profit has grown from a single desire to improve the lives of transitioning Military, into a national organization impacting over 2,400 Veteran Clients on any given day.
“It only seems fitting that someone born on Christmas day has become such a special gift to so many.” – William Koch, SSV COO, GySgt, US Marine Corps (Retired)
Made up of an all-Veteran team of Counselors, SSV empowers Veterans in their pursuit to locate meaningful employment anywhere in the nation, and/or access the local VA benefits and resources they need to build the civilian lives they love. All at no cost to the Veterans and their families. Over Paulette’s almost 4 years as CEO, SSV has been recognized as a Department of Labor partner, Nonprofit of the Year by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, and has consistently met the strict requirements needed to receive Call of Duty Primary Grantee selection.
“Those of us at Still Serving Veterans are called to this mission of helping Veterans and their families build meaningful lives. It is a privilege to do this work, for it is truly work of the heart.” – Paulette Risher, President/CEO, Major General, US Army (Retired)
This is Paulette’s third retirement but not likely her last. She previously retired as a civilian Organizational Psychologist with the United States Air Force, and as a Major General (2-Star) in the United States Army. With 34 years of active and reserve service, Paulette was the first woman to serve in U.S. Special Operations Command as a General Officer. Returning to active duty after 9/11, Paulette served as the President of the Joint Special Operations University, the Director of U.S. Special Operations Command’s Center for Knowledge and Future (J7/J9), and the Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs. Upon leaving active duty, Paulette joined Booz Allen Hamilton and led their Organization, Strategy, and Learning team in Huntsville, AL for three years and subsequently served as the Principal Director for Huntsville Operations for DigiFlight, Inc. In her spare time, Paulette is the sole practitioner of her private consulting practice, Learning for the Journey, LLC.
While Paulette was on active duty as a First Lieutenant, she met and married Ed Risher, a Captain, and Vietnam Veteran. Together he supported her ever-growing career and nourished their family, which grew to include their daughter Alicia, three grandchildren (Faith, Ryan, and Cass), and a large extended family. Ed was her true partner for 35 loving years of marriage, before his passing in 2010.
Paulette is not only an inspirational Veteran advocate, but she is also a lifelong learner. She holds a BS and MA in Psychology, as well as an MEd. Paulette has completed the Fundamentals of Positive Psychology Certification Program from the University of Pennsylvania. Paulette is a graduate of both the Army War College and the Air War College. Paulette is a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Positive Psychology Association, the Association of the United States Army, and the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC). She also serves on the Alabama Veterans Executive Network (AlaVetNet), the Alabama Workforce Development Commission and the Alabama Small Business Advisory Council and is the Co-Chair of the Alabama Challenge for the Prevention of Veteran Suicide.
In December 2022, Paulette was awarded the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal by Governor Kay Ivey and Major General Sheryl Gordan, the Adjutant General, for her service to the state.
“Being able to serve as a voice for the Veterans of Alabama in these various roles has been such a personal and professional honor. This award was unexpected and genuinely appreciated.” – Paulette Risher, President/CEO, Major General, US Army (Retired)
Richard B. Landolt, Rear Admiral, US Navy (Retired), will assume the role of President and CEO on April 1, 2023. Paulette has been instrumental in the transition of duties ensuring the continuity of the mission.
“Rich will bring to SSV a wide range of experience in leadership, management, and training as well as the passion for helping Veterans which he developed throughout his 32-year career in the US Navy. The Board and I are confident that Rich will carry on the good work we do here at SSV.” – Paulette Risher, President/CEO, Major General, US Army (Retired)
Still Serving Veterans’ Mission:
To serve and honor Veterans and their families by empowering them to build meaningful lives through connections to fulfilling careers, benefits, and services; and to proactively strengthen Veteran communities through leadership and collaboration.
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