WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010 - Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has appointed Major General (Ret.) Ronald G. Young as Executive Director of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

General Young has comprehensive national level experience leading and caring for Soldiers and Airmen including direct oversight of family readiness and reintegration programs supporting over 450,000 Air and Army National Guard members and their families. 

Prior to this appointment, General Young served as Acting Director of the National Guard Bureau Joint Staff as well as Director of Manpower and Personnel in the office of the Chief, National Guard Bureau. He has an extensive military background with over 42 years of service including command at every level from detachment to brigade and three separate general officer-level commands.

“General Young has a proven success record in management and leadership. He comes to this position with a tremendous knowledge of the Reserve components.  His expertise in personnel issues and family readiness will be a great asset as ESGR moves forward,” said Dennis M. McCarthy, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs.

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency with the mission of gaining and maintaining the support of public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve.  ESGR operates through volunteer committees in each U.S. State and Territory to accomplish this mission.

For more information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 800-336-4590 or visit www.esgr.org.    

Photo not for official use.