Toenniessen began his career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army after graduating from Syracuse University and its Army ROTC program. He served four years on active duty, including a combat deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service. Following his transition from active duty in 2010, he returned to Syracuse University to help lead the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) at the Whitman School of Management with the Chancellor Haynie.
Ray Toenniessen '06 Named Executive Director of the D’Aniello IVMF
Important leadership announcement from Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).
Ray Toenniessen has been named Executive Director of the D’Aniello IVMF, succeeding Institute founder J. Michael Haynie, who now serves as Syracuse University’s 13th Chancellor.
Over the past 15 years, he has had a hand in almost every part of the Institute’s growth. The IVMF began as a small team with a clear sense of purpose. Today it is America’s largest private veterans service organization focused on entrepreneurship and career training. Its programs reach participants in all 50 states and around the world, and more than 100 major funders support its work, including founding partner JPMorgan Chase & Co. Through every stage of that growth, Toenniessen has been a steady presence. He builds partnerships, strengthens operations and keeps the Institute focused on the people it exists to serve.
Colleagues and partners know Toenniessen for his deep understanding of the IVMF’s mission, the trust he has built with partners in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and his commitment to the veterans, service members and military families at the heart of the Institute’s work. His appointment brings continuity at a time of change. He also brings fresh energy and a clear view of the opportunities ahead.
Please join us in congratulating Ray Toenniessen on this well-deserved appointment. We’re excited for what comes next for the IVMF and the community it serves.
