Melissa “Mel” Reider is the Executive Director of Military and Veteran Development for the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. In this role, she leads a team of advancement professionals who cultivate, secure, and steward philanthropic investment in the University’s veteran and military-connected community.

Mel has more than 25 years of professional fundraising experience, including roles in annual giving, major gifts, campaigns, corporate and foundation relations, and as a chief advancement officer. She began her Syracuse University career as a gift officer for the IVMF, and most recently served as Executive Director of Administration for the division of Advancement and External Affairs at SU, where she provided operational support for the division’s strategic priorities, including high-level operational strategy for the University’s $1.5 billion Forever Orange Campaign.

Mel holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Le Moyne College.