Ed Johnson ’79 (left) retired in December 2025, and Brandon Bissell ’98 was named the VMI Alumni Association’s new chief operating officer in November 2025.
Ed Johnson ’79, VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer, retired in December 2025, and Brandon Bissell ’98 was named the new Alumni Association chief operating officer in November 2025.
During Johnson’s 3-year tenure, the Alumni Association saw increased alumni engagement. “Working with our alumni volunteers, including the Alumni Association Board of Directors, I am proud of all we have accomplished in the past 3 years,” said Johnson. “We came together to reinvigorate chapter activities, increasing events by over 40%, brought back the Volunteer Leaders Conference, providing opportunities for our volunteers to learn from each other, and rejuvenated Legacy Day to provide a fun experience for our legacy children and families, increasing the number of attendees to over 300.”
Johnson’s leadership also focused on building meaningful connections between alumni and cadets with signature events and programs such as the 1st Class BBQ, which gives alumni the opportunity to mentor cadets as they prepare for the future after graduation; the Pass in Review program, which aligns 50th Reunion classes with each class in barracks; and the Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum, which promotes alumni mentorship regarding resumes, internships, summer jobs, and career opportunities for all cadets.
“Ed was the right person at the right time,” said David Prasnicki, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer. “His steady guidance helped the Alumni Association move forward on important initiatives, and his insight has been valued throughout his tenure.”
Prior to joining the VMI Alumni Agencies, Johnson served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years as a nuclear-trained submarine officer and spent 16 years as a federal civilian employee. He has served on the Keydet Club Board of Governors and looks forward to continuing his support for the Institute in retirement.
Stepping into the role as chief operating officer, Bissell brings 3 years of experience within the Alumni Agencies and a deep personal connection to the Institute.
Over the past year, Bissell has served as a major gifts officer, following 2 years as the Alumni Association director of alumni outreach. As chief operating officer, he will oversee the strategic and operational functions of the Alumni Association, foster alumni engagement, and support the long-term mission of the VMI Alumni Agencies. In this capacity, he will be responsible for the comprehensive, self-governed Alumni Association of nearly 26,000 graduates and provide support to Matthew Hemenez ’90, VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors president.
“I have had the privilege of working with Brandon when he was director of alumni outreach for the Alumni Association prior to his joining the VMI Foundation as a major gifts officer,” said Hemenez. “In both capacities, I have seen him operate as a highly effective leader. We are glad to have his background, experience, and positive energy leading the Alumni Association. Our alumni membership sets a high bar of expectations, and we know that Brandon will exceed them.”
Bissell matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI and a Master of Business Administration degree from Liberty University.
During his cadetship, Bissell played on the football team and was a member of the Army Aviation Association of America chapter and the Big Red Club. Upon graduation, he commissioned in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and commenced aviation officer basic course and flight training. In October 2018, Bissell retired as a lieutenant colonel following a 20-year military career. He’s married to his high school sweetheart, Rebecca L. Bissell, and they have two daughters.
“It is my honor to welcome Brandon Bissell, Class of 1998, back to the Alumni Association as the chief operating officer,” said Johnson. “His previous experience in the Alumni Association and current position as a major gift officer make him well-suited to lead the team into the future.”
Reflecting on Bissell’s role as chief operating officer, Prasnicki said, “Brandon has a unique set of skills and experience that ensures a strong transition in leadership. I am looking forward to his leadership and vision as we begin a new chapter for the VMI Alumni Association.”
The assistant editor assists the editor-in-chief in various tasks relating to the production of quarterly and monthly publications, as well as prepares written materials for publication. The assistant editor serves as liaison between class agents and chapter presidents and the Agencies’ publications, as well as provides backup photography for events.
