FORT BELVOIR , Va. (June 1, 2006) - The directorship of the U.S. Army Installation Management Agency changed hands May 30 in a ceremony on the front steps of Fort Belvoir’s Abbot Hall. Maj. Gen. Michael Rochelle relinquished the duties he’s held since Nov. 1, 2005, to Brig. Gen. John A. Macdonald.
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Brig. Gen. John A. Macdonald (left) accepts the Installation Management Agency colors as incoming director from Lt. Gen. James L. Campbell, director of the Army staff, during the change of director ceremony held May 30 at Fort Belvoir, Va. Maj. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle (right), outgoing IMA director, will become the Army's deputy chief of staff for G-1. Command Sgt. Maj. Debra L. Strickland (right center) carried the IMA colors during the ceremony. (Photo by Stephen Oertwig)
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“I think [Rochelle] united the staff and encouraged everyone he met to give 100 percent,” said Jack Anderson, director of religious education at IMA.
Rochelle, who has been in the military for 34 years, is leaving IMA to become the Army’s Deputy chief of staff, G-1. Lt. Gen. James Campbell, director of the Army staff, hosted the ceremony and introduced Rochelle and Macdonald.
“If one were to review all of the accomplishments of Maj. Gen. Rochelle they would see how he nurtured the organization,” said Campbell.
Rochelle’s accomplishments are numerous. As IMA director, he was responsible for oversight of 116 Army installations. During his tenure, Rochelle oversaw a period of change which was marked by the common levels of support and the standard garrison organization, which contribute to more effective and efficient installations.
“He focused on resources and doing the right thing,” said Arnie Cole, chief of Morale, Welfare and Recreation for IMA.
Rochelle expressed gratitude to the IMA employees who helped him achieve success.
“I am honored to have represented the colors of this agency,” said Rochelle.
In his speech, Campbell looked to IMA’s future under Macdonald with optimism.
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New Installation Management Agency Director Brig. Gen. John A. Macdonald addresses the crowd during the May 30 ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Va. (Photo by Mark Turney) |
“He is the ideal pick for IMA,” said Campbell, “He has a general love for Soldiers and their families.”
IMA employees look forward to working under Macdonald.
“He’s been on the level of the people we’re supposed to be taking care of,” said Elaine Durden-Hunter, strategic planner with IMA. “He will bring a hands-on type of experience.”
The ceremony ended with Macdonald’s bright outlook for the future of IMA.
“I look forward to serving in this position,” said Macdonald, who is joining IMA after serving as the commanding general of U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center. Before his assignment at CFSC, Macdonald served as the director of the Korea Region of IMA at Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea, from July 2002 to December 2004. Macdonald is IMA’s fourth director since it was established in October 2002.
Macdonald graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1979, and holds master’s degrees from Central Michigan University and the Naval War College.
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