Thank You, RADM Chris Cole

Chris Cole, who led the Military Bowl Foundation’s Board of Directors for more than a decade of prosperous growth, is transitioning from board chairman to an emeritus role with the board.

“We can’t thank Chris enough for his commitment and leadership,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “Chris has devoted his life to serving his country and supporting those who have served this country. We are incredibly grateful for his vision and guidance.”

A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Cole served in the U.S. Navy for more than 32 years, retiring as a Rear Admiral. An aviator, he commanded two helicopter squadrons and two amphibious ships. As a Flag Officer, Mr. Cole was the commander of two Navy Regions, one in the Republic of Korea and one in Norfolk, Va. His final Navy assignment was as Director of Ashore Readiness for the Chief of Naval Operations. 

Following his military service, Cole served as the Executive Director of the Association of the United States Navy and President of the Navy Safe Harbor Foundation, providing direct support to our wounded, ill, and injured sailors and Coast Guardsmen and their families. 

During his tenure as Military Bowl Foundation board chairman, Cole oversaw the Military Bowl’s relocation from RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. The period also included the reformation of the DC Touchdown Club in 2013 and the purchase and establishment of Patriot Point in 2016.

Cole was nearly always in attendance at Military Bowl Foundation events, including the Military Bowl game, the DC Touchdown Club Awards Dinner, the DC Touchdown Club Golf Outing and the Home of the Free … Because of the Brave dinner. He often donated to Patriot Point, recognizing the impact the retreat center made for recovering service members, their families and caregivers.

“The Military Bowl Foundation has transformed into a multifaceted organization that operates football events and is dedicated to honoring and supporting the nation’s active-duty and veteran service members,” Beck said. “Chris deserves his share of the credit for making sure that we always tried to do as much as possible for the brave men and women who valiantly served our country. He knew how to run a board meeting and had the respect of his fellow board members.”

Cole will be succeeded as board chairman by longtime board member Larry Leber. A graduate of Boston College, Leber also has served on the Military Bowl Foundation Board of Directors for more than one decade. He is the President & CEO of Upshire Realty Advisors, LLC.