Blue Star Families, the largest US nonprofit supporting military and veteran families, has appointed retired Air Force Lieutenant General Charles Plummer as its first-ever president. Plummer will report to CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet and lead enterprise strategy, organisational culture, and growth initiatives. The newly created role aims to help the organisation nearly double its reach and impact. Plummer previously served as The Judge Advocate General, where he led modernisation efforts for the Air Force and Space Force and oversaw military justice reforms. Founded in 2009, Blue Star Families has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts over 1.5 million people annually through its network of chapters and outposts.

The 2026 military family lifestyle survey is now live! Blue Star Families names Charles Plummer as its first President. Retired Air Force Lieutenant General to lead enterprise strategy and growth in newly created role. Washington, D.C. - August 3, 2026 Blue Star Families (BSF), the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to providing support to military and veteran families, announced the selection of Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Charles Plummer, U.S. Air Force, as its first President in the organization's history, reporting directly to the long-time CEO, Kathy Roth-Douquet. This inaugural role is responsible for translating Blue Star Families' mission, vision, and strategic priorities into measurable impact, and scalable infrastructure. Working with the CEO, the President will lead enterprise-wide alignment, performance, organizational culture, and sustainable growth. "Chuck Plummer is the right person at the right time in this new position for Blue Star Families, as we execute on our promise to almost double our reach and impact in the face of extraordinary demand from military families," said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "Chuck's record of military leadership at the highest levels, and his breadth of experience leading complex organizations and positioning them for impact and strategic growth gives me great confidence. Under his leadership, we will build our capacity to make military life great for families, and better connect Americans at every level to their military. That commitment strengthens military families and our nation as a whole." Prior to joining Blue Star Families, Plummer served as The Judge Advocate General, the senior uniformed legal officer for the Air Force and Space Force, where he led enterprise modernization and innovation, shaped the legal framework for the newly created Space Force, and oversaw major reforms across military justice and the full spectrum of Air and Space Force legal operations. Plummer also brings deep familiarity with military life and the issues impacting military families, both from his nearly three decades in uniform and as a military spouse during that time. "I'm honored to join Blue Star Families at such an important moment for our military and veteran community, and I'm deeply grateful to CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet, the Board of Directors and Advisory Board, our Blue Star Partners, and the entire staff for their trust and support. Blue Star Families has built a powerful model grounded in research, community engagement, and a commitment to strengthening the lives of military and veteran families. As a career military leader, there is no more meaningful mission to align myself with. I look forward to working alongside this exceptional team to expand our impact and ensure every service member and military family feels seen, supported, and connected as the organization enters its next chapter," said Plummer. About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A "blue star family" is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.

The 2026 military family lifestyle survey is now live! Blue Star Families welcomes new leaders to strengthen community growth and regional impact. Announcing Randy Martinez as Vice President of Community Expansion and Sarah Frey as Executive Director of the Colorado Springs Chapter. Washington, D.C. - July 27, 2026 Blue Star Families (BSF), the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to supporting military and veteran families, today announced the addition of two new leaders to its team: Randy Martinez as Vice President of Community Expansion and Sarah Frey as Executive Director of the Colorado Springs Chapter. In his role as Vice President of Community Expansion, Martinez will lead Blue Star Families' national growth strategy, overseeing the expansion of new Chapters and Outposts in communities where military and veteran families live and serve. Working across the organization, he will identify opportunities for sustainable growth, cultivate strategic partnerships, and help ensure more military families have access to the trusted support, resources, and sense of belonging that Blue Star Families provides. As Executive Director of the Colorado Springs Chapter, Frey will lead the organization's efforts in one of the nation's largest military communities. She will oversee local strategy, fundraising, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and program delivery while advancing Blue Star Families' mission across the region and strengthening support for military and veteran families throughout Colorado Springs. "Military families consistently asked us to expand our reach and we are committed to meeting their demand," says Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. "Thanks to Craig Newmark philanthropies and other visionary donors, significant expansion is under way, and this new position of Vice President of Community Expansion under Randy Martinez will drive that growth. Joining Randy is Sarah Frey, who will be the first Executive Director of our next chapter to open this fall, the Colorado Springs Chapter. These two extraordinary leaders bring the cross-sector experience, complex skill sets, and leadership qualities to grow BSF to help us meet our mission of making life great for military families in every community where they live." The addition of Martinez and Frey reflects Blue Star Families' continued investment in expanding its national footprint while strengthening local leadership in military-connected communities across the country. "Growing up as a military child, I moved nine times - including once before my senior year of high school," said Martinez. "I was drawn to Blue Star Families because it gives me the opportunity to serve in a different way by helping military families feel connected, supported, and able to thrive." About Blue Star Families Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A "blue star family" is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.