Spirit of America, a nonprofit citizen service organization that supports the safety and success of U.S. troops and diplomats serving abroad, has hired Alan Feldenkris as its first Chief Marketing Officer.

Feldenkris will be responsible for generating revenue and raising the visibility of Spirit of America in creative new ways. Through enhanced branding and marketing content, he will establish Spirit of America as the category-defining organization in the new category of philanthropy and citizen service that the nonprofit has pioneered. And, he will develop strategies to engage all Americans in Spirit of America’s mission. Feldenkris will also oversee the development and marketing and communications teams.

Feldenkris brings to Spirit of America extensive experience spanning traditional, digital, social, and experiential marketing on behalf of leading brands and mission-driven organizations. Recognized as highly strategic and creative, he is known for his ability to crystalize marketing insights from complex business challenges.

Feldenkris was formerly Managing Director, Global Brand Marketing and Strategy, for The Nature Conservancy, the world’s largest conservation organization. He also served as Executive Director of Marketing and Branding at NPR and was the co-founder and CEO of award-winning digital marketing firm Brand New World. He spent several years at AOL as Vice President, Interactive Marketing.

“It’s a great honor to join Spirit of America, particularly at this time of incredible opportunity,” Feldenkris said. “I am attracted by the mission, inspired by the team and, as a marketer, so enthusiastic about sharing Spirit of America’s story in order to engage citizens across our country.”

“I am proud to welcome Alan Feldenkris to the Spirit of America team. Alan is a tremendous executive and entrepreneur with extensive nonprofit, corporate, and early venture experience. He brings the marketing, communications, and branding know-how that Spirit of America needs to expand our reach, engage more citizens in our work, and dramatically grow our revenues,” said Jim Hake, CEO.

Feldenkris will be based at Spirit of America’s Arlington, Virginia, headquarters.