SYRACUSE, N.Y. (April 17, 2017) – Today, the Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University announced that Mike Schindler has joined the organization as Program Manager of Community Engagement & Innovation. In this role, Mr. Schindler is responsible for fostering relationships with community agencies that provide services to veterans, service members, and military families in Washington State, particularly, with WAServes, the most recent addition to the IVMF’s AmericaServes network.

“I’m excited to welcome Mike Schindler as our newest Program Manager leading efforts to help our communities evolve their approaches to serve America’s military connected families,” said retired Col. Jim McDonough, Managing Director of Programs and Services. “It’s rare to find someone with Mike’s background and experience. He brings unreserved expertise in the military and veteran arena and deep ties to the Washington State community. This combination, along with his extensive planning, leadership and experience executing top notch programming is an important addition to the AmericaServes program and the IVMF. His knowledge and insights will add tremendous capability to our organization.”

“It is an honor to join the IVMF in this capacity,” said Mr. Schindler. “I have spent much of my career on community support for veterans. I look forward to touching the lives of more military and veteran families through the IVMF and WAServes network.”

A former U.S. Navy veteran, Schindler is Founder and CEO of Operation Military Families, a veteran services organization that works to support and empower veterans within the community with programs tackling homelessness through employment, financial stability and supporting homeownership. In addition, Schindler has over 20 years of experience in project management, coaching, and executive experience working in and with the military, startups, federal and state agencies, nonprofits, universities, and Fortune 500 companies.

A guest writer for The Military Wire blog and a number of national publications, he has written extensively on maintaining strong relationships during military deployments and careers post-transition, including authoring two books: “Operation Military Family: How Military Couples are Fighting to Preserve their Marriages,” and “US Veterans in the Workforce: Why the 7 Percent are America’s Greatest Asset.”  He is also a Military and Veterans Affairs Contributor to Fox News in Washington (Q13 KCPQ). For his dedicated service to the community he is the recipient of Washington State’s Military Patriotism Award, the Parent Map’s Military Families Award, and Amway Corporation’s Patriotism Award.

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Media Contacts
Institute for Veterans and Military Families
Stephanie Salanger, 315-443-5690
ssalange@syr.edu

About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational and entrepreneurship education and training, while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The Institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in America’s armed forces and their families. For more information, visit IVMF and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.