Newly created role marks significant milestone in organization’s growth and long-term sustainability.
Rockville, Maryland — Mission Belonging today announced the appointment of Becca Keaty as its first-ever Chief Operations Officer. The newly created position reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding its reach, deepening its impact, and building the operational infrastructure necessary for long-term sustainability.
The COO search was conducted over six months with input from stakeholders, funding partners, and community experts. Mission Belonging’s board designed the role with a clear mandate: find a leader whose expertise advances the organization’s mission and whose values are inseparable from it.
“We sought a candidate with the expertise to help Mission Belonging reach more people and build a sustainable future,” said Seema Reza, Founder and CEO of Mission Belonging. “Most of all, we sought someone who deeply aligns with our mission and values. Becca is that person.”
Keaty brings a rare convergence of military service, nonprofit leadership, and communications experience to the role. A 20-year veteran of the Army National Guard — where she also served as a performing musician — she has dedicated her post-service career to organizations that support and hold space for those who have served. Most recently, she served as Director of Development for The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit newsroom committed to veteran storytelling. Prior to that role, she served as Chief Development Officer of Bunker Labs, one of the nation’s leading organizations supporting veteran entrepreneurs.
Keaty’s nonprofit leadership extends beyond the veteran-serving sector. She is a co-founder of Open Books, a Chicago-based literacy nonprofit and social enterprise that expands access to the written word across greater Chicagoland. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Chicago Tribune Media Company, where she produced more than 150 editorial events annually — a background that sharpened both the project management discipline and storytelling instincts she brings to her work.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Speaking to the heart of Mission Belonging’s work, Keaty said:“As a 20-year veteran of the 132nd Army National Guard Band, I had the unique privilege of sharing music as the cornerstone of my military service. I have seen firsthand the celebratory and somber nature that music can bring, and how it can impact and heal long after the moment the art is made. To be able to continue to serve the military-connected community through the powerful workshops Mission Belonging provides, through music, as well as through written and visual arts, is a true honor. I am very grateful to bring all of the lessons and experiences from my personal and professional life to support Mission Belonging’s goals and aspirations for many years to come.”
Keaty joins a growing team at Mission Belonging at a pivotal moment for the organization and the communities it serves.
Mission Belonging builds bridges between veterans and citizens using the language of creative expression to promote empathy, foster understanding, and build authentic community. We envision a world where shared artistic expression creates sacred experiences that fuel transformation, ignite connection, and build understanding across differences for veterans and citizens alike. Our vision is to be a driving force ensuring every individual finds their voice, purpose, and belonging. For more information about our work and upcoming initiatives, please visit missionbelonging.org
Media Contact: Seema Reza, CEO & Chair, info@missionbelonging.org
