Yearbook photo

Yearbook name: Madeline M. Kreher (Missy)

6520 Roosevelt Street
Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone:  (703)-532-4481
Email:  happybooker1@verizon.net

• Over thirty years of experience in scheduling and protocol.
• Reviewed requests and scheduled appearances for the United States Marine Band.
• Conducted liaison with the highest levels of government to arrange Band appearances.
• Contacted high-ranking military and civilian officials, noted entertainers, and representatives of other nations in course of duties.  Interpreted protocol as required.
• Recipient of the USMC Commendation for Superior Service.
• Routinely handled large numbers of requests, resolved conflicts in schedules and locations, and personally managed high-profile events.
• Provided creative solutions for scheduling conflicts and other management issues.
• Excellent management, peer and public interface skills, excellent written and verbal communications skills.

Experience Summary

More than 30 years experience in overseeing the operations and management of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.  Responsible for planning and assigning over 18,000 Band performances from 1974 to 2005.   This included reviewing requests for appearances by the Band and its component ensembles, executing initiatives to use the Band’s appearances to heighten public awareness of the Marine Corps, and developing processes for Band management.  Ensured that appearances were properly thought out and publicized and that the Band accommodated priority requests from the Executive Branch, the Department of Defense, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.  Interfaced with the highest levels of civilian government and the military, with show business notables, and with ranking members of Congress to accomplish job.  Performed extensive liaison with staff members of other organizations to manage events and appearances.  Previous experience with the Marine Corps, working in other civilian capacities.  Received USMC Commendation for Superior Civilian Service, the highest award the Commandant can bestow upon a civilian, in 1997.

Experience Specifications

United States Marine Corps (April, 1974 to March, 2005) – As Head of the Marine Band Branch, oversaw operation and management of the United States Marine Band and provided recommendations to the Director of Public Affairs on policies and decisions that pertained to the United States Marine Band.  Ensured that the Band’s performances and other activities accomplished Commandant and Secretary of Defense public outreach initiatives.

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band performs a wide range of music to include support of White House presentations, ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and other locations, and public concerts both locally and on national tour.  Performances are scheduled at Presidential direction, and at the request of the Secretary of Defense, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or other ranking military commanders.  Members of Congress and officials of the Executive Branch often request Band participation in official or patriotic events.  The Band also participates in many community events to include educational outreach programs suited for primary and secondary schools.  Scheduling dictates the configuration of performing units; smaller ensembles are often tasked simultaneously to accommodate the greatest number of requests.  Official requests are often on short notice, to meet emerging needs.

Ensured that Band policies and management complied with parent regulations, including Public Laws, Department of Defense and United States Marine Corps regulations and policy and any other applicable guidance.  Developed and refined Band policies and procedures and implemented them after approval.  Represented the Director of Public Affairs at meetings on all salient matters regarding Band operations.

Reviewed approximately 3200 requests for appearances each year; made commitments for approximately 800 scheduled events.   Ensured that events qualified within the bounds of guiding regulations.  Informed event coordinators of Band participation or cited reasons for declining participation.  Balanced Band’s White House mission with Department of Defense and Marine Corps needs to ensure coverage for priority requirements.  Coordinated with Band’s Operations Office to ensure that resources could respond to the assignments.  Prioritized and deconflicted commitments as short-notice requirements arose.

Directed and analyzed other operational aspects of the Marine Band and supervised two program managers in the execution of their specific areas of responsibility, developing guidance and honing procedures as necessary.  These included the annual concert tour, the music education and record distribution programs, production of commercial and non-commercial audiovisual releases and public service announcements, Congressional liaison activities, and operational studies.  Oversaw responses to requests for information about the United States Marine Band (approximately 6000 annually).   Major contributor to Band’s public outreach efforts, defining activities, context, and resources.

Directly responsible for organizing special concerts hosted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.  Oversaw issuance of invitations (number ranges from 1500 to 1800 depending on venue), prepared guest lists for Commandant approval, composed letters of invitation, researched and implemented proper protocol procedures for seating of VIPs, conducted liaison with appropriate staff elements and provided after-action report to guide future events.

United States Marine Corps (September, 1965 to April, 1974) – Performed a variety of protocol and administrative positions within Headquarters Marine Corps, to include the immediate office of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.  Received numerous letters of commendation for administrative and protocol efforts.

Post Retirement Activities
Membership in the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (VCPEA) and various legislative endeavors to prevent elder abuse in the Commonwealth; 2nd grade religious education teacher, Falls Church, VA; part-time administrative assistant, Arlington Florist, Arlington, VA; Virginia Marriage Officiant and Notary; and Lodge Coordinator for Blue Mountain Property Owners Association.