15 July 2026
By Megan Kowalski, Associate Director, Donor Strategy

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation (USNA AA&F) is proud to announce that Jerry Miller ’77 has been named chair of the Naval Academy Foundation Board of Directors, succeeding Ron Terwilliger ’63.

Miller, a member of the board since 2006 and vice chair since 2022, brings decades of leadership, volunteer service and philanthropy to the role. In addition to serving on numerous board committees, he has held the role of campaign co-chair since 2024, helping to shape the strategy for the Foundation’s current fundraising campaign.

“I am truly honored and inspired to assume the role of chairman of the Naval Academy Foundation Board of Directors,” Miller said. “For decades, my wife Laura and I have made the Naval Academy our highest philanthropic priority. As a longtime member of the Board, I have been privileged to work with a remarkable group of volunteer leaders. I look forward to leading them into the next chapter as we continue to support the missions of the Foundation and Naval Academy.”

Following his 1977 graduation from the Naval Academy, Miller served in the Navy for seven years as a surface warfare officer before building an entrepreneurial career in the maritime and industrial sectors.

He co-founded Earl Industries in 1985 and led its growth into one of the nation’s leading naval ship repair firms before its sale to General Dynamics in 2012. He also founded The Miller Group in 1998, where he serves as CEO, and Fairlead Integrated, where he serves as executive chairman.

Miller and his wife, Laura, have supported the Naval Academy through their philanthropy for more than two decades. They were instrumental in the establishment, funding and construction of the Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel—among the first major fundraising initiatives to benefit the Academy. The Millers have continued to make an impact through their generous support of Hopper Hall, the home of the Academy’s cyber and emerging warfare program; international programs; the Naval Academy Fund; and Navy Athletics. Miller is a 2024 recipient of the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award, which honors alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields.

Miller succeeds Ron Terwilliger ‘63, who was elected board chair in 2021. Terwilliger, a member of the board since 2001, has helped guide a period of considerable momentum for the Foundation, including the launch of its current campaign.

Terwilliger is chairman emeritus and retired CEO of Trammell Crow Residential, one of the nation’s largest multifamily housing developers. He has held prominent leadership roles for numerous organizations, including chair of Habitat for Humanity’s international board of directors. He is a 2009 Distinguished Graduate recipient.

“When I was first approached about joining the Foundation Board 20 years ago, I did not fully comprehend the need for private support at the Naval Academy,” Terwilliger said. “Since then, I have witnessed the transformative role of philanthropy in helping to make the Naval Academy the finest institution of its kind in the world—a vision I believe we are closer to reaching than ever before. Among the many organizations where I have served as board chair throughout my life and career, the Naval Academy Foundation, along with Habitat for Humanity, has been my greatest honor.”

As the largest donor in Naval Academy history, Terwilliger has left an enduring impact on academic and athletic excellence through his generous support of the Class of 1963 Center for Academic Excellence, Endowed by J. Ronald Terwilliger ’63 and Classmates; the Terwilliger Center for Student-Athletes; and Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium.

“Jerry Miller and Ron Terwilliger embody the spirit of service and leadership that defines the Naval Academy community,” said USNA AA&F President and CEO Jeff Webb. “As a devoted volunteer leader and philanthropist, Jerry brings a deep understanding of our mission and a steadfast commitment to the Academy. I look forward to partnering with him as chair of the Foundation Board and building on the strong foundation established by Ron, whose leadership and generosity have been instrumental in advancing excellence across the Naval Academy.”

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