SAINT PAUL, Minn – The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) Board of Directors announced today the selection of Maj. Gen. Neal Loidolt as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 6. Loidolt currently serves full-time in the Minnesota National Guard. 

“Neal Loidolt is a career military professional and public servant. He has a strong track record of Veteran advocacy in risk resiliency reduction, suicide prevention and Veteran employment efforts with the National Guard” said Board Chairman Don Allen. “I was also impressed by his commitment to those causes related to homelessness through his involvement as a board member at Vinland National Center and at Suicide Awareness Voice of Education. He is a dynamic leader who will lead MACV into the future and help end Veteran homelessness.”

MACV works closely with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) in the joint effort of ending Veteran homelessness statewide. “Neal Loidolt is in high demand,” said Larry Shellito, Commissioner of MDVA. “I served with Neal for many years in the National Guard and know him to be a committed leader who enjoys solving complex problems and leading organizations to exceptional results. MACV has been a key partner in Minnesota’s efforts to end homelessness among Veterans, and since 2014 we have successfully housed 823 previously homeless Veterans through the /mdva/resources/homelessnessandprevention/homelessveteranregistry.jspHomeless Veterans Registry. We are happy to continue our partnership with Neal and the entire MACV team.”

Loidolt will leave his full-time role with the National Guard for this position, but will continue his part-time military assignment as the Deputy Adjutant General. “It has been my great pleasure working with Neal Loidolt during my six year tenure as Adjutant General, as well as our service together in Iraq,” said Major General Rick Nash, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General.  “Neal has served with distinction and I am excited for his new opportunity, as well as our prospects to forge a new partnership with MACV. We are very fortunate that he is able to continue serving at our state headquarters.”

Loidolt holds a Juris Doctorate from Hamline Law School and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science from St Cloud State University. He recently completed an assignment as Commander of the 34th Infantry Division, where he was responsible for establishing and implementing operational and strategic guidance throughout the division. During this time he also served as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General on the employment of divisional units for state and federal missions.

His previous assignments include Director of the Joint Staff for the Joint Force Headquarters, Deputy Commanding General for the 34th Infantry Division and Chief of Staff, 34th Infantry Division, where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009-2010.  

In 2006, Loidolt deployed as the deputy director of operations, Iraq reconstruction management office, United States Mission – Iraq. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. 

###

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV)
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been assisting veterans for over 26 years. Each year MACV receives more than 25,000 contacts, inquiries, and requests from veterans across the state. In 2015, MACV comprehensively served over 1,950 veterans and their families throughout Minnesota who were homeless or experiencing a crisis that could lead to homelessness – and the need for services continues to rise. The mission of MACV is to provide assistance throughout Minnesota to positively motivated veterans and their families who are homeless or experiencing other life crisis. It is estimated that 1% of the veterans in this state, or close to 4,100, will experience an episode of homelessness this year. MACV is there to assist. Many homeless and veterans’ organizations recognize MACV’s transitional and permanent housing programs as a model for the nation. We have a passion for serving those in Minnesota who first served us.