Marine Corps Community Services Announces Retirement of Cheryl Lemmon Following More Than 22 Years of Service
MARINE CORPS COMMUNITY SERVICES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF CHERYL LEMMON FOLLOWING MORE THAN 22 YEARS OF SERVICE
HQMC (MR), QUANTICO, VA – Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) announces the retirement of Cheryl Lemmon after 22 years of dedicated service, marking the end of a career defined by innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to supporting Marines and their families. As a key leader within the Business and Support Services Division (MR), Lemmon played a pivotal role as the General Merchandising Manager and led numerous initiatives modernizing Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) operations and ensuring top-tier service for those who serve.
Reflecting on her time at MCCS, Lemmon said, “The greatest pleasure I've had is serving the Marines for 22 and a half years. Prior to this I worked for 21 years for a family-owned company and all profits went back into their pockets…it’s been great to give back to Marines and their families while ensuring access to premier brands and enhanced shopping experience.”
Under Lemmon’s leadership, MCX topline merchandise sales grew more than $75 million, contributing to $2.5 billion in gross margin dollars, with profits reinvested into critical Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs.
“Ms. Lemmon has been an enduring example of selfless service – an inspiration to all of us who have the privilege of supporting those who serve. Like so many dedicated professionals within Marine Corps Community Services, Ms. Lemmon did not choose this path for recognition, accolades, or financial reward. She chose it out of a profound sense of duty and purpose,” said Ed Cutshall, Chief Executive Officer, MR.
Lemmon joined MCCS as a civilian Marine and made a personal sacrifice – leaving a successful career with a major retailer and accepting a 50% reduction in pay – to serve those who defend our nation. Her decision was not made lightly. Having been in New York on September 11, 2001, she witnessed firsthand the cost of freedom and the importance of those who stand ready to defend it.
Cutshall continued, “Her career has been defined by unwavering dedication to the Marines and families who rely on our programs. We are deeply grateful for her many contributions to the Corps and the country. Ms. Lemmon’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the mission she so honorably upheld.”
Throughout her career, Lemmon championed change, embracing agility and creativity to bring in high-quality merchandise tailored to each Marine Corps base’s unique customer profile.
“It's just been fun to build assortments and to also cater the Marine Corps a little bit different, because each of our bases is a little bit more unique,” said Lemmon. “We have two big bases that are very troop oriented, Pendleton and Lejeune…it’s a younger customer; but then you have Henderson Hall and Miramar where there’s a higher-end clientele.”
Lemmon’s impact extends beyond retail transformation; her greatest source of pride remains the team she helped cultivate. She noted that “probably 95% of the staff I have, this team I have hired and built… and hopefully I've had something to do with mentoring them and grooming them for their future.”
Jennifer Wible, Chief Operating Officer, MR, said “Since joining the MCX, Cheryl has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence – leaving a lasting impact on our organization, Marines, Sailors and families.”
“As Branch Head of Merchandising, she shaped our merchandising strategy with insight, innovation, and a deep under-standing of our customers’ needs. Cheryl’s steadfast leadership and strong relationships with employees, peers, and installation retail executives have been instrumental in MCX’s growth into the iconic brand it is today,” continued Wible.
Wible added, “[Cheryl’s] legacy of relevance, progress, and collaboration will be felt for years to come. Her expertise and ability to align diverse goals through thoughtful solutions will be deeply missed. It’s been my pleasure to learn from and work with Cheryl over the years!”
Lemmon’s next chapter includes extensive travel and time spent at her family’s home in Bethany Beach.
Lemmon’s tenure will be defined by her transformation of MCX into a dynamic and responsive retail network now considered an iconic Exchange brand within the Department of Defense Services Resale portfolio. MCCS extends its deepest gratitude to Lemmon for her years of dedication, leadership, and service to the Marine Corps community.
The search for a new General Merchandising Manager is underway.
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.
