Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole Begin New Roles as Leaders of The Salvation Army USA
The Salvation Army is pleased to announce Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole have officially assumed their new leadership roles at National Headquarters, guiding the organization’s efforts to serve communities across the United States. Commissioner Merle Heatwole has been appointed as National Commander, and Commissioner Dawn Heatwole will serve as National Secretary for Program. Together, they bring decades of dedicated service, experience, and unwavering commitment to The Salvation Army’s mission of meeting human needs in Christ’s name without discrimination.
The Heatwoles have served together in the ministry since being commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 1984. Their early service included appointments as corps officers in St. Cloud, MN; Peoria, IL; and Topeka, KS. They later held divisional leadership roles in the Kansas and Western Missouri, Western Michigan and Northern Indiana, Heartland and Western Divisions.
Commissioner Merle Heatwole most recently served as the Territorial Commander for the Latin America North Territory, overseeing Salvation Army operations in ten countries including Guatemala through Panama in Central America, Colombia and Venezuela in South America, and Cuba and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Prior to this, he served as International Secretary for Business Administration at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London, England, where he was responsible for global financial strategy and information technology. His extensive career also includes leadership roles as Chief Secretary of the USA Central Territory and National Chief Secretary at The Salvation Army’s National Headquarters.
“As National Commander, I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility and to serve alongside Commissioner Dawn, as we lead The Salvation Army’s work across the country,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole. “We have witnessed firsthand the impact of The Salvation Army’s ministry in communities worldwide, and we are committed to ensuring that our services remain a source of hope, healing, and transformation for those in need.”
Commissioner Dawn Heatwole has served in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as the Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in the Latin America North Territory. She also served as the Secretary for Spiritual Life Development at International Headquarters, focusing on the Army’s global spiritual formation efforts. Additionally, she has held key
roles in women’s ministries, recruitment, youth leadership, and program development in the USA Central Territory.
"Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole bring a wealth of experience, deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to The Salvation Army’s mission,” shared Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, who served as The Salvation Army’s National Commander from 2020 to 2025. “Their leadership, both in the United States and internationally, has prepared them well to guide the Army forward. I have no doubt that under their direction, The Salvation Army will continue to be a powerful force for good, bringing hope and aid to individuals and communities across the nation."
Commissioners Heatwole officially began their roles on March 1, 2025, at National Headquarters in Alexandria, VA.