Position Announcement: Executive Director, Society of American Military Engineers
Applications Open – Beginning October 20, 2025
Position Background
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) is recruiting for an Executive Director to succeed Maj. Gen. Mike Wehr, P.E., USA (Ret.), who announced his intention to transition out of the position he has held since June 2023 at the conclusion of his three-year contract. The SAME Executive Director Selection Committee has established that the application process will open starting October 20, 2025. The Selection Committee will begin reviewing candidates on a rolling basis as they are received and intends to complete the selection process in order to support a change of Executive Directors by Spring 2026. Mike Wehr will support an effective transition period for the benefit of the selected individual, the National Office staff, and SAME.
The SAME Executive Director, who also serves as Executive Director of the SAME Foundation, reports to the SAME Board of Direction and the Society President, and is a core member of the SAME Executive Committee (XC), comprised of the National President, Past President, President-Elect, three National Vice Presidents, the Treasurer, Counsel, and the SAME Foundation Chair. The position is full-time and located at the SAME National Office, 1420 King St., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22151. Travel is required during the year and may include weekends and holidays.
The SAME Executive Director is the chief salaried administrator of the Society, responsible for effective operation and management of the organization to the National Leadership Assembly, Board of Direction, Executive Committee and the National President. The Executive Director is an ex-officio member of the Board of Direction and the Executive Committee. Key responsibilities include: recommending policies and programs to carry out the Society’s vision and mission; leading and managing the day to day activities of the National Office staff (currently at 29 full time employees); managing an annual budget of approximately $10 million and a substantial investment portfolio; and overseeing all policies and processes of the staff in support of SAME. The Executive Director also serves as Executive Director of the SAME Foundation, which is separately incorporated and has a separate Board of Directors but is fully integrated for financial management and SAME program support.
SAME has approximately 20,000 members, 1,500 member companies, 100 Post (chapters) around the world, and more than a dozen national Communities of Interest, Councils and Committees, as well as highly regarded national programs such as the SAME Leader Development Program and SAME Camps Program, both of which are supported by the SAME Foundation. Founded in 1920, the Society’s mission in support of the 2030 SAME Strategic Plan is to “Lead collaboration in support of our national security priorities,” through advancing three interrelated strategic goals: Driving Partnerships, Delivering Solutions, and Developing People. SAME is focused on strengthening industry-government engagement, helping government agencies, members, and the national industrial base solve challenges, develop real solutions, and ensure a pipeline of leaders and STEM professionals to advance the A/E/C profession for our nation into the future. The SAME brand is strong and the organization is financially healthy and strategically aligned.
Interested candidates should review the full position description and job qualifications on the SAME website, and direct any questions to SAME Human Resources at hr@same.org.
The job posting is open starting Oct. 20, 2025. The Selection Committee will review applications on a rolling basis, schedule interviews and conduct follow-on communications with highly qualified and motivated candidates. The individual selected will be submitted to the SAME Board of Direction for approval after which the SAME National President will sign the employment agreement.
The Executive Director position term is a three-year contract. Additional renewal terms are considered in accordance with the SAME Bylaws.
SAME Executive Director: An Opportunity to Serve
Throughout SAME’s 105-year history, only 18 individuals have held the position of Executive Director. This leadership role provides continuity within the Society’s national governance and provides a unique opportunity to serve the engineering community and our nation.
- SERVE: It is a chance to serve the nation and SAME, to give back to the organization that benefits all of us within the A/E/C community at the intersection of military, government, industry, academia, and nonprofits.
- CONNECT: You’ll stay more connected than ever with your past career, colleagues and mentors, and expand your understanding and contribution throughout other facets of the interconnected engineering sector.
- LEAD & INSPIRE: The full spectrum of small unit leadership within the office, volunteer motivation throughout the Society and senior leadership, philanthropic aspirations of the SAME Foundation, the other strategic partner non-profits, and the service and agency engineer chiefs: It all create a purpose-driven opportunity to lead and inspire current and future leaders of our nation’s critical infrastructure.
- LEARN: Become proficient in association management through networking with other association professionals and membership in CESSE and/or ASAE.
- GROW: Continue to grow the impact of this unique and storied organization.
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How to Apply
Submit cover letter, resume, and employment application to hr@same.org.
Download SAME Employment Application (PDF)Questions? Contact hr@same.org.
Executive Director – Position Qualifications & Job Description (PDF)Learn more about SAME and the Society’s mission to “lead collaboration in support of our national security priorities through advancing three interrelated strategic goals: Drive Partnerships, Deliver Solutions, and Develop People.”
Updated: October 20, 2025
SAME | 1420 King St., Ste. 100, Alexandria, VA 22314 | www.same.org | 704-549-3800