Aaron Leonard Appointed Chief Executive Officer for Guardian Revival
Aaron Leonard replaces Alex Othmer as Chief Executive Officer for Guardian Revival. Leonard retired as Lieutenant Colonel after more than 27 years in the US Army and worked for Sierra Club Military Outdoors before leading Guardian Revival’s Another Summit program.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aaron Leonard
BEACON, NY — Guardian Revival is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Leonard as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 20, 2025. Leonard succeeds Alex Othmer, Guardian Revival’s co-founder and CEO, who will transition to the role of President of the Board.
Leonard, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with over 27 years of service, brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to fostering resilience and mental health within the guardian community. Since 2021, Leonard has served as the Executive Director of Guardian Revival’s Another Summit program, creating therapeutic outdoor experiences to facilitate healing and connection among guardians.
“I am honored to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Alex and the team have created,” said Leonard. “Guardian Revival is at the forefront of addressing critical mental health challenges, and I look forward to leading our mission of empowering those who serve our nation and communities.”
Leonard’s extensive background includes leading Sierra Club Military Outdoors and founding the Outdoor Rx Coalition in New York, which works to reduce barriers for veterans accessing public lands. He is a passionate advocate for leveraging nature-based experiences to promote mental health and healing.
Guardian Revival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of military, veterans, first responders, and their families, co-founded in 2019 by outgoing CEO Alex Othmer, a former Navy SEAL officer.
Othmer reflected on the organization’s growth over the past 5 years and expressed his enthusiasm for Leonard’s expertise & vision:
“Aaron’s experience, empathy, and leadership make him the ideal person to take Guardian Revival into its next chapter. His dedication to guardians and expertise in nonprofit leadership are unmatched. I am thrilled to continue supporting the organization as President of the Board, expanding our vision & long-term strategy for a successful and enduring future.”
Under Leonard’s leadership, Guardian Revival will continue expanding its programs, including peer support initiatives, outdoor adventures, companion dogs, music jams & lessons, wellness experiences, family events, and more, all of which have already impacted thousands of guardians & their families nationwide.
About Guardian Revival
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military, veterans, and first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them.
Learn more: guardianrevival.org
Contact: press@guardianrevival.org