Maria McConville has joined Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families as a senior advisor. McConville, MS, RD, U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur and military spouse of the 40th U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Retired General James McConville, brings a wealth of experience in supporting military spouses and families, making her a valuable asset in this new role.
As a senior advisor, McConville will apply crucial insights into IVMF programs and strategies to address barriers and challenges military spouses continue to face in their career paths and integration into the labor market.
“I’m thrilled to be joining an organization like IVMF as they research and deliver unique and impactful programs to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses,” said McConville. “I’m honored to work with a team of dedicated individuals who truly love to embrace, educate, and serve the military community.”
Her role extends beyond advisory duties, as she aims to continue her advocacy work for military families both within the IVMF and among collaborating organizations. She has seen firsthand the dedication, resilience, and adaptability that military spouses bring to the workforce and applauds initiatives like those within IVMF, and its collaborators, empowering spouses to obtain or create meaningful opportunities in their chosen profession.
McConville’s unique perspective comes from a life-long career as a registered dietitian and fitness trainer who faced many obstacles in finding and retaining appropriate employment and maintaining professional licensure while moving 23 times with her Army spouse – a recently retired General Officer. In addition, McConville is a mother of three active duty Army officers. Her personal journey, insight, and experience will significantly influence the D’Aniello Institute’s programs and services tailored for military-connected families.
“Maria has invaluable experience and perspective as a U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, military spouse, and parent of three active-duty service members will help improve the IVMF’s programs across entrepreneurship, employment and community services,” said Barb Carson, IVMF’s managing director of programs and services. “She’s an incredible champion, as well as an effective advocate for military spouses and military families. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with her to improve the IVMF’s ability to deliver impactful programming.”
McConville’s academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Miami University and a master’s degree in public and community health from Austin Peay State University. Beyond her licensed professional services, she has excelled as an entrepreneur, leading her own consulting company, MMcConville Consulting, LLC.
Notably, McConville has collaborated with executive committees, providing advisory services to large organizations. Her ambitious vision led to the creation of the Spouse Master Resilience Training program for the U.S. Army, showcasing her commitment to advancing the well-being of military families.
As a senior advisor, McConville will play a pivotal role in ensuring the D’Aniello Institute’s programs and outreach effectively impact the lives of military spouses and families post-service. Aside from contributing her knowledge and experience on panels and in discussions during IVMF events, McConville will help develop specifically tailored content designed to educate and support women veterans, military spouses, and military families. Her advocacy and thought leadership within the community of organizations dedicated to supporting military families will further solidify the IVMF’s position as a leading institution in this critical space.
