ASHBURN, VIRGINIA – DECEMBER 12, 2017—Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund announced the selection of Dietmar Exler to the Fund’s Board of Directors.  Exler became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) in January 2016.  In his role, he has overall responsibility for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and the smart brand in the U.S.  He leads MBUSA’s 1,600 employees and 380 dealers throughout the country.

In 2016, Mercedes-Benz committed to a national sponsorship of the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, pledging a donation to the Fund for every Mercedes-Benz vehicle sold in the U.S. in 2016 and 2017.  To date, Mercedes-Benz support of the Fund exceeds $2,800,000.

Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund President MaryEllen Picciuto stated, “In recognition of the extraordinary support Mercedes-Benz has provided military family members, we are privileged to welcome Mr. Exler to our Board of Directors.  We are counting on his record of leadership and corporate success to help us continue our growth trend at Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund so we can impact many more military families.”

Exler joins the board during a period of increased outreach and program expansion.  In 2017, the Fund awarded over $4,000,000 in college scholarships to military family members, primarily children of fallen service members.

About Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund

Established in 2014, the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring military service and sacrifice by providing college scholarships to veterans and military family members, particularly children of our nation’s fallen.  The fund is inspired by Colonel John “Johnny Mac” McHugh, KIA in Kabul, Afghanistan on May 18, 2010.  To date, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund has awarded $7.5 million in college scholarships, funding 1,000 students.  To learn more or to support the mission of Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, visit www. JohnnyMac.org