Hargrave Military Academy’s Board of Trustees announced today that Hargrave’s President, Eric Peterson is retiring and stepping down from his role as President to attend to family matters. He will be succeeded by Sloan Gibson, who previously served as board chair. Ben Davenport is succeeding Gibson as Board Chair.

In his letter to the Board, Peterson noted “The past year has been a difficult one for Krista and our family,” which prompted his conversations with the Board. “Our decision [to depart] reflects a host of personal and professional reasons. We love the school, and value highly the professional relationships and bonds we have made here. I am proud of the progress we’ve made. Hargrave is an exceptional institution, and I have been honored and privileged to serve the school. As Krista and I journey onward, please know that our time at Hargrave will always hold a significant and dear place in our hearts.”

Sloan Gibson is a 1971 graduate of Hargrave and has served on the Board of Trustees for many years, including two stints as Chair. He served as Interim President during the ‘21-’22 school year. He is a 1975 graduate of West Point and has master’s degrees from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and Harvard’s Kennedy School. After serving in the Army, where he earned both Airborne and Ranger qualifications, and a career in banking, Gibson served as the President and CEO of the USO, the organization supporting America’s troops and their families around the world. Following his nomination and Senate confirmation, he served as Deputy Secretary and Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was named a West Point Distinguished Graduate in 2018.

“The Board is grateful for the significant difference Eric and Krista have made during their years here at Hargrave and we wish them the very best in the future. Hargrave continues to change lives, as it did mine. There has never been a time when the world needs Hargrave more than today”, said Gibson.