Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole are the national leaders of The Salvation Army in the United States of America with Commissioner Merle serving as the National Commander and Commissioner Dawn serving as the National Secretary for Program. They assumed these appointments on March 1, 2025. 

Immediately preceding this appointment, Commissioner Merle served as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Dawn as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in the Latin America North Territory. 

Both of the Heatwoles are children of Salvation Army officers, Lt. Colonels Merle L. and Vivian Heatwole and Colonels Thomas C. and Mary Lewis, respectively. The Heatwoles met when their parents were both stationed at the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Divisional Headquarters. They were married in 1981, entered the College for Officer Training the next year and were commissioned in 1984 as a part of the Servants of God session.

The Heatwoles have three adult children Michael, Michele and Melissa. Michael and his wife, Linnea, live in Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Elin and Audrey. Michele and her husband, Dan Penning, live in Florida, with the Heatwoles’ grandson, Carter. Captain Melissa and her husband, Kenyon Sivels, are the corps officers in Illinois, with the Heatwoles’ granddaughters, Trinity and Eden.

What is your favorite thing about being a Salvation Army officer?

Commissioner Dawn (DH): My favorite thing about being a Salvation Army officer is the people who we’ve had the privilege of journeying with over the years. I do not like change, so moving to new places can be a challenge for me. That’s because when I am in an appointment, I try to build strong connections with people, and so saying goodbye is always difficult. 

Commissioner Merle (MH): My favorite thing about being a Salvation Army officer is the opportunity to share God’s love in practical ways that make a true impact on people’s lives. As an officer, I am accepted by those in need of basic necessities and by those who have all of life’s riches but are struggling emotionally or spiritually. God has given us a unique ministry that opens doors to serve people from all walks of life.

What has been one of your greatest joys as a leader over the years?

DH: Over the last 10 years, we’ve served outside of the United States. We have held appointments at International Headquarters in London and as territorial leaders in the Latin America North territory, which consists of 10 different countries. We’ve traveled the world and seen The Salvation Army in many different cultures and languages. Each culture brings a new and fresh way to worship and serve, and I’ve learned so much from each place. Though I love staying home — it’s my refuge — travelling has stretched me far beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to encounter God in new and exciting ways. 

MH: One of my greatest joys as a leader has been witnessing lives transformed by God’s gift of salvation. It has been a privilege to see people become the individuals God created them to be. I loved serving as a Divisional and Territorial Youth Secretary, where I had the opportunity to see young people come to know Jesus. It has also been fulfilling to mentor others and watch them develop into strong spiritual leaders.

How do you maintain your spiritual life as a busy leader?

DH: I love to write, so around 10 years ago, I began writing scripture. I have a Facebook page where I post verses for others to write out with me, and we’ve now written over 20 books of the Bible, starting with Psalms. I also enjoy studying scripture using the Precept method, an in-depth verse by verse approach that challenges me to dig deeper. I participate in a weekly online Bible study with friends from across the globe. I am thankful for my mother, Colonel Mary Lewis, who instilled a love for scripture in me, and for Linda Himes, who has been my Bible Study teacher now for several years. 

MH: For many years, I have committed to starting each day by reading four chapters of the Bible and spending time in prayer for my family, friends, and those within my sphere of influence. As a musician, I have also enjoyed participating in Salvation Army bands and songster groups, allowing the music to speak to my heart through both the lyrics and the beauty of the music itself.

What do you see as The Salvation Army’s greatest opportunity in the next 5–10 years?

DH: Two things come to mind: our work with Echelon groups and expanding ministry in Spanish-speaking congregations. Young adults are eager to get involved in active ministry, especially in social justice. They do not necessarily want to sit in board meetings, but they want to be actively involved in doing something. The Salvation Army offers many ways for them to be involved in our ministries while learning who we are, and what we do. 

We also have an opportunity to expand our ministries in Spanish. Many immigrants are seeking help, a better life for their children, and freedom. We need to remain vigilant in offering them opportunities to worship in their own style — not just acclimate to our traditions and styles. When someone walks into our buildings seeking help and hears their own language spoken, it opens the door for them to feel truly welcome in our congregations. 

MH: I believe the greatest opportunity for The Salvation Army in the U.S. over the next 5–10 years is to be a unifying voice in our country. We have a chance to demonstrate that people with diverse points of view can engage in civil discourse and work together to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in society. As a church, we also have an opportunity to minister to those from around the world who have chosen to make the United States their home, offering them a welcoming place to worship and become a part of a compassionate community.

What are you most looking forward to as you take up your new appointment?

DH: I am looking forward to seeing how God is working through The Salvation Army in the United States. After being away for several years, we know that we are returning to an Army and country that have changed. We want to see how God can use each one of us to continue to serve others in His name. I am also excited to be in Program again as I feel it is one of my strengths, so I pray that God will use my gifts and talents for His glory in all that we do in the days ahead. 

MH: Since Commissioner Dawn and I have served outside The United States for over nine years, I’m excited to return and have the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. I also look forward to working with the members of the Commissioners’ Conference and the National Advisory Board. I have great respect for these groups and am eager to continue building on the strong legacy of The Salvation Army in the U.S.

Timeline of Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole’s Appointments

• 1984: Corps officers, St. Cloud, MN
• 1988: Corps officers, Peoria, IL
• 1991: Corps officers, Topeka, KS
• 1993: Divisional Youth Leaders, Kansas and Western Missouri Division
• 1996: Divisional Secretary (MH) and Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary (DH), Western Michigan and Northern Indiana Division
• 2000: Territorial Youth and Candidates’ Secretary (MH) and Assistant Territorial Youth and Candidates’ Secretary (DH), USA Central Territory
• 2001: Territorial Corps Mission and Adult Ministries Secretary (MH) and Assistant Territorial Program Secretary (DH), USA Central Territory
• 2003: Divisional Commander (MH) and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries (DH), Heartland Division
• 2007: Divisional Commander (MH) and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Program Secretary (DH), Western Division
• 2009: Secretary for Business Administration (MH) and Candidates’ Secretary (DH), USA Central Territory
• 2011: Chief Secretary (MH) and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries (DH), USA Central Territory
• 2014: National Chief Secretary (MH) and National Secretary for Women’s Ministries (DH), USA
• 2015: International Secretary (MH) and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries for the Americas and Caribbean Zone (DH), International Headquarters
• 2018: International Secretary for Business Administration (MH) and Secretary for Mission Strategy/IHQ Chaplain (DH), International Headquarters
• 2019: Secretary for Spiritual Life Development/IHQ Chaplain (DH), International Headquarters
• 2020: Territorial Commander (MH) and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries (DH), Latin America North Territory
• March 1, 2025: National Commander (MH) and National Secretary for Program (DH), USA