Neal Loidolt is a highly accomplished executive and decorated military leader with a distinguished career spanning nonprofit leadership, military command, strategic operations, and legal expertise. As the President and CEO of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), Loidolt has been at the forefront of the mission to end veteran homelessness in Minnesota, driving groundbreaking initiatives that have led to a more than 75% reduction in homelessness among veterans. His leadership has resulted in the near-elimination of veteran homelessness in nine out of ten regions across the state, significantly expanding MACV’s reach and impact. Under his guidance since 2017, the organization has grown from a $3 million budget and a staff of 31 to a robust $22 million operation with a team of 139, serving nearly 1,850 veterans in 2024 alone. His efforts have garnered widespread recognition, including the prestigious Board of Governors Emmy Award in 2022.
Prior to his leadership at MACV, Loidolt had a distinguished military career, retiring as a Major General in the Minnesota National Guard. He served as the Division Commander of the 34th Infantry Division, overseeing 16,000 soldiers across multiple states. His tenure included the deployment of the division headquarters to serve as a Joint Task Force, ensuring operational readiness for both combat missions and domestic support operations. A strategic thinker and trusted advisor, he played a pivotal role in shaping military preparedness, improving readiness objectives by 15% during his tenure as Director of the Joint Staff and Deputy Adjutant General. His contributions to resilience and mental health programs led to a 200% reduction in suicides within the Minnesota National Guard in 2012.
Loidolt’s extensive experience extends beyond command leadership into high-level operational strategy, resource management, and international relations. As Chief of Staff of the 34th Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he managed large-scale logistics, overseeing the allocation of over $450 million for infrastructure and civil improvement projects in Iraq, while coordinating the movement of thousands of troops and essential military assets. His expertise in governance and negotiation was further demonstrated in his role as Deputy Director of Operations for the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office, where he directed policies and funding allocations for the $20.8 billion Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund.
A lawyer by training, Loidolt earned his Juris Doctorate cum laude from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and is admitted to legal practice in federal and Minnesota state courts. His early career as a labor attorney shaped his ability to navigate complex legal frameworks, negotiate labor agreements, and advocate for fair employment policies. He is also a graduate of the United States Army War College National Security Fellowship, Harvard Kennedy School, and has completed executive education programs at Harvard University, reinforcing his strategic leadership capabilities in both military and civilian sectors.
Beyond his professional achievements, Loidolt is deeply committed to community service and veteran advocacy. He serves on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations, including Folds of Honor and Vinland National Center, and has been recognized as a Notable Military Veteran Executive by Twin Cities Business. His leadership has had a lasting impact on national security strategy, nonprofit management, and veteran support initiatives, making him a formidable force in both the military and nonprofit sectors.
With a career defined by service, transformation, and strategic impact, Neal Loidolt continues to shape policies and programs that uplift veterans, strengthen military readiness, and drive systemic change. His legacy stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership in both military and civilian spheres.
Character
Neal Loidolt’s leadership is defined by unwavering integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving veterans and military personnel, consistently demonstrating a results-driven approach to complex challenges.
Knowledge
With extensive expertise in military command, nonprofit management, legal affairs, and strategic operations, Loidolt leverages his comprehensive understanding of leadership, governance, and resource management to drive impactful change.
Strategic
A visionary leader with a proven ability to implement large-scale initiatives, Loidolt has successfully guided organizations through transformational growth, optimizing resources, improving operational effectiveness, and achieving mission-critical objectives.
Communication
An articulate and persuasive communicator, Loidolt effectively engages with diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to military personnel and nonprofit leaders, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and successful execution of strategic goals.
