Modern Military Announces Executive Director Transition Following Successful Growth Plan, Poised for Future Sustainability

Modern Military today announced the upcoming transition of its Executive Director, Rachel Branaman, effective May 8, 2025. This strategic shift follows the highly successful implementation of an ambitious growth plan spearheaded by Branaman, positioning the organization for sustained impact and long-term organizational strength. 

Deputy Director Cathy Marcello is serving as Interim Executive Director while the Board of Directors conducts a national executive search in partnership with Waller Consulting.

Branaman’s dedication and strategic direction has been pivotal in propelling Modern Military to new heights. Under her leadership, Modern Military achieved significant milestones:

1. Historic Funding Diversification: Modern Military secured a landmark $670,000 federal grant, the first in the organization’s 30+ year history, driving the annual budget to over $1M.
2. Expanded Program Reach: The organization launched impactful new initiatives including the Resilient Heroes suicide prevention program, Modern Military Strong Communities, and a pro bono attorney network for transgender legal services. 
3. Legislative Advocacy Success: Modern Military collaborated with lawmakers to champion and successfully enact laws and policies that uplift and protect the well-being of LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive communities. 
4. Groundbreaking Discrimination Reporting System: Modern Military created an innovative LGBTQ+ and HIV discrimination reporting form accessible to the worldwide U.S. military and veteran community, empowering service members and veterans to report discrimination even without internal recourse or when seeking care.
5. Strengthened Strategic Partnerships: The Modern Military team cultivated robust relationships with key stakeholders including lawmakers, policymakers, media outlets, military and veteran service organizations, and national LGBTQ+ and suicide prevention organizations.

“I am incredibly proud of the transformative growth Modern Military has achieved over the past two years,” said Branaman. “I have full confidence in the board and the future leadership to build upon this momentum and continue our critical mission for the LGBTQ+ community.” 

“Rachel’s strategic direction has positioned Modern Military for its next phase of growth,” said Dr. Joshua Fontanez, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The Board is grateful for her contributions and confident in the organization’s future trajectory.”

Cathy Marcello, who has been on staff since 2022 and served as Deputy Director since 2024, brings deep institutional knowledge and operational expertise. “It’s a privilege to support the organization during this transition,” Marcello stated. “Our mission remains vital, and I look forward to ensuring continuity as we prepare for the next phase of executive leadership.”

The Board of Directors has commenced a comprehensive search process for a new Executive Director in partnership with Waller Consulting. Modern Military is committed to finding a passionate and skilled leader who will leverage the organization’s current strengths and drive further success. The organization is committed to a seamless transition, maintaining the continuity of its essential programs and services for LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive military and veteran communities. 

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Modern Military is the nation’s largest organization of LGBTQ+ service members, military spouses, veterans, their families, and allies. We educate, advocate, and champion for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families as well as people living with HIV. We envision an inclusive and equitable military environment where every member of the LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive community is respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.