University Leaders Present at Inaugural George W. Bush Institute Leadership Initiative

During the fall semester, Syracuse University faculty and staff members traveled to the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Initiative in Dallas to present at the first-of-its-kind program designed for individuals serving the nation’s veterans who are motivated to broaden their skillsets, knowledge and influence across the country.

Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF) founder and executive director; Maureen Casey, IVMF chief operating officer; Nick Armstrong, G’12 (Ph.D./M.P.A.), IVMF senior director of research and policy; Rosalinda Maury, IVMF director of applied research and analytics; and Sean O’Keefe ’78 (M.P.A.), University Professor, Howard G. and S. Louise Phanstiel Chair in Strategic Management and Leadership at the Maxwell School, and IVMF board member, were among the roster of nationally known and distinguished professionals, educators and experts to present on post-9/11 veteran transition issues and leadership development. Robert McDonald, secretary of Veteran Affairs and IVMF board member, also presented.

“The University is proud to partner and support the Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Initiative,” says Haynie. “By bringing together emerging leaders from around the country, we can strengthen the veteran community for future generations. The knowledge, training and network that are offered as a part of the program will have long-lasting impacts on these future leaders and those we serve.”

Haynie and Casey’s sessions covered issues around veteran transitions and improving veteran outcomes, while Armstrong and Rosalinda presented research insights related to the veteran landscape. O’Keefe most recently appeared at the institute during a moderated session where he discussed various leadership challenges and learnings he encountered during his appointments as secretary of the Navy (1992-1993) and administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (2001-2005.)

As part of the Bush Institute’s commitment to developing and supporting effective leaders, the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Initiative builds on the Bush Institute’s extensive body of work on veteran transition issues. The veterans and non-veteran participants were chosen as rising leaders in their fields and represent diverse sectors working to improve post-9/11 veteran outcomes. They hold a variety of roles, including business and community leaders; members of veteran-serving nonprofits; leaders in government and academia; and active military service members. Amy Taft, curriculum and learning manager at IVMF, was among the 33 selected in the inaugural class.