MCX Announces New Branch Head of Merchandising
HQMC (MR), QUANTICO, VA – The Business and Support Services Division (MR) is proud to announce the appointment of Sarah Dilday as its new Branch Head of Merchandising. With over 37 years of distinguished leadership in retail operations, merchandising strategy, and organizational transformation, Dilday brings a proven record of innovation, resilience, and results to the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) enterprise.
Dilday most recently served as Director of Business Operations for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) South Carolina, where she led a $60M retail operation across nine locations. Her tenure was marked by exceptional performance—even amid significant challenges. Between 2018 and 2024, Recruit Graduates at MCRD Parris Island declined by 28%, yet under Dilday’s leadership, the Retail Division generated $375M in Sales and $59M in Net Profits. Sales declined only 2%, while Net Profits rose by 18% at Parris Island and 11% across the Division—underscoring her ability to drive growth in the face of headwinds.
“Sarah is a transformational leader with an exceptional ability to turn vision into execution,” said Ed Cutshall, Chief Executive Officer of MR. “Her strategic mindset, operational rigor, and deep understanding of the military retail landscape make her the ideal choice to lead our merchandising efforts into the future.”
Dilday’s strategic merchandising acumen has consistently delivered bottom-line results. In 2017, she revised the planned renovation layout for the Parris Island MCX, gaining Headquarters’ approval. Upon completion in 2019, Net Profits increased by $432K (+10%). A targeted merchandise reset in Fragrances, Prestige Cosmetics, and Shoes—backed by just $37K in new fixtures—generated $1.3M in incremental Sales within 18 months.
Her operational leadership has also set the standard across MCCS. From 2018 to 2024, MCCS South Carolina ranked #1 in payroll savings, achieving an 8% reduction in total payroll costs despite a 57% rise in average hourly wages. Her restructuring efforts improved efficiency, morale, and team performance.
“Sarah’s impact is felt not just in numbers, but in the culture she builds,” said Jen Wible, Chief Operating Officer of MR. “She inspires excellence, fosters innovation, and brings out the best in her teams. We’re thrilled to welcome her to this critical leadership role.”
One of Dilday’s most recent success stories is her leadership of the MCX24 business. Taking over in Fall 2023, she applied her retail acumen to drive rapid growth. By 2025, Sales are projected to exceed $2.5M—up from $900K—with Net Profits increasing by more than 300%. Her data-driven decisions, merchandise strategies, and team alignment were key drivers of this success.
Known for her high standards and uplifting leadership style, Dilday fosters a culture of recognition and shared success. Whether through handwritten notes, informal chats, or formal awards, she builds strong team camaraderie that translates into high morale and peak performance.
“It’s an honor to serve the Marine Corps community in this new capacity,” said Dilday. “I’m excited to build on the strong foundation of MR and drive continued innovation, operational excellence, and meaningful impact for Marines and their families.”
Dilday holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Virginia Tech and is a graduate of the USMC-MCCS Strategic Business Leadership Program at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business. Her expertise spans merchandising, marketing, budgeting, analytics, and multi-store operations, with a passion for developing high-performing teams.
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About MCCS:
MCCS exists to serve Marines and their families through our Mission, Vision, and Values that revolve around the Marine Corps ethos of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Spread across 20+ military Installations and in deployed environments, our goal is to move with Marines throughout their career and into retirement. Our key mission is to enable Marines to adapt, thrive, and stay mission-ready with purpose-driven programs and solutions. This way, we can stay true to our promise of helping Marines adapt, thrive, and win life’s battles. MCCS also partners with Marine Corps Hospitality Services (MCHS) to provide lodging at Installations for Marines and their families.
Beyond the Marine, the readiness of the Corps depends heavily on the secured support system at home. MCCS programs support families facing the shifting tides and challenges of modern military life. Some employees are spouses and dependents of Marines, and some are veterans and retirees, but all of them are part of the Marine Corps family. MCCS is part of our Corps, and the MCCS Ecosystem is designed to provide Commanders with Quality-of-Life programs that enhance and enable individual Marine readiness and lethality throughout our force.
