Museum of the Marine Names Gen Shrader President/CEO
For Immediate Release
Carolina Museum of the Marine Announces Major General Joe Shrader, USMC (Ret) as its New President and CEO
Jacksonville, NC – The Board of Directors of the Carolina Museum of the Marine is pleased to announce the appointment of Major General Joe Shrader, USMC (Ret), as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Major General Shrader, who brings over 30 years of distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps, will succeed Brigadier General Kevin J. Stewart, USMC (Ret), who is stepping down due to health reasons.
Since coming on board to lead the museum in September of 2022, Brigadier General Stewart has achieved a number of important funding, approval, design, contracting, and staffing milestones culminating in the long-awaited beginning of construction of the Museum. Under his leadership, the Museum has grown its programs and strengthened its mission to honor and preserve the history and values of the Marine Corps. The Museum Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude to Brigadier General Stewart for his dedicated service and on behalf of the Museum’s leadership, staff, supporters and stakeholders wishes him all the best in his health journey.
“We are incredibly grateful to Brigadier General Stewart for his excellent leadership and commitment to the Museum,” said Lieutenant General Mark Faulkner, USMC (Ret), Chair of the Carolina Museum of the Marine Board of Directors. “At the same time, we are excited to welcome Major General Shrader to this important role. His extensive Marine Corps experience and passion for preserving the Marine Corps legacy make him the ideal leader to guide the Museum forward.”
Major General Shrader, who retired from active duty in 2022, began his service as an infantryman, later returning to West Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering technology from Bluefield State College. Shrader later served in numerous key leadership roles in the Marine Corps, including Commanding General of Marine Corps Logistics Command and Commanding General Marine Corps Systems Command. His deep expertise in operations, strategic planning, and organizational management will be critical as construction and development of the Carolina Museum of the Marine proceeds.
“I am honored to take on this role and continue the great work Brigadier General Stewart has done,” said Major General Shrader. “Carolina Museum of the Marine plays a crucial role in preserving and sharing the legacy and values of the Marine Corps, and I am excited to work with the community to advance its mission.”
In addition to his focus on construction and building organizational capacity, Major General Shrader will lead the Museum’s efforts in expanding outreach, enhancing educational exhibits, and spearheading fundraising initiatives to support the Museum’s scheduled opening in 2026.
Carolina Museum of the Marine, located in Jacksonville, NC, is dedicated to telling the story of the Marines in the Carolinas and their enduring impact on the nation’s defense. Through dynamic exhibits and educational programs, the Museum strives to inspire visitors of all ages with the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
For more information about the Carolina Museum of the Marine and upcoming events, visit www.MuseumoftheMarine.org or contact Kevin Stewart at kstewart@museumofthemarine.org
About the Carolina Museum of the Marine
Carolina Museum of the Marine is a 25,000 square foot museum under construction in Jacksonville, NC. Its mission is to honor the legacy of Marines and Sailors who have served in the Carolinas and to inspire future generations. Doors are due to open in the spring of 2026.
