• WASHINGTON
On July 1, the Department of War (DoW) announced that William G. “Bill” Fitzhugh will succeed John E. Hall as the director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), effective on Sept. 18, 2026.
A 23-year Army veteran, Fitzhugh brings decades of leadership experience to this position as both a military officer and as a federal civilian in the departments of War and Veterans Affairs.
“Bill Fitzhugh is the right executive to continue transforming DeCA, finding ways to better serve our military community and protect valuable commissary benefits for the next generation,” said Anthony J. Tata, under secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness USW (P&R).
About Hall, Tata noted, “The Department appreciates his distinguished service and myriad contributions to the agency, its workforce, and the mission.”
FITZHUGH’S CAREER
Since 2021, Fitzhugh has held various executive roles in the office of the assistant secretary of War for Manpower and Reserve Affairs ASW (M&RA), which oversees DeCA.
In 2025, he performed the duties of the ASW (M&RA), serving as the principal advisor to the secretary of War and the USW (P&R) on a portfolio spanning DeCA, military and civilian personnel policies, the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA), reserve integration, military community and family policy, and Total Force planning and requirements.
Most recently, he held the position of acting principal deputy ASW (M&RA), where he was instrumental in advancing DeCA’s supply chain transformation.
Fitzhugh joined DeCA as deputy director on June 29, 2026, and will transition to the role of director and CEO when Hall retires.
“I am honored to lead DeCA at a pivotal time,” Fitzhugh said. “I thank John for his leadership in transforming the agency’s business practices so that we can offer a competitive and attractive shopping experience to our patrons.
“As director, I look forward to continuing the positive momentum he built and contributing to the readiness of our force.”
Fitzhugh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from George Mason University.
HALL RETIRES
Hall, who previously held numerous executive positions in the U.S. Army and Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), served as DeCA director and CEO since June 2023.
Under Hall, DeCA strengthened its support for military families and veterans, improved the flow of grocery stock to hard-to-reach locations, and initiated a supply chain transformation.
The agency also broadened its market reach through a pilot program granting commissary access to DoW civilians in select locations and modernized its shopping experience for customers through the CLICK2GO curbside pickup and doorstep delivery programs.
“I am incredibly proud to have led the DeCA workforce, a team of some of the most passionate and dedicated individuals I have ever had the privilege to work with,” Hall said. “Their unwavering commitment to the eligible patrons, military families, and service members they support is truly inspiring.”
GOING FORWARD
The DoW said that going forward with Fitzhugh at the helm of the agency, it “remains focused on continuing to transform DeCA operations and providing our military community with access to high-quality, affordable grocery items.”
FITZHUGH REMARKS AT 2026 ALA COMMISSARY ROUNDTABLE
Read More from ALA’s April 2026 DeCa Roundtable: https://online.fliphtml5.com/bbzqm/v2crse/#p=10
Source: Department of War (DoW)
Edited by Larry Lapka
