About IAVA

IAVA Staff & Board

• STAFF
• BOARD

Staff

• Communications
• Membership & Outreach
• Policy
• Digital Engagement
• Strategic Partnerships
• Development
• Executive Office
• Operations
• Human Capital

Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director and Founder. Paul is the Executive Director and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Paul served as a First Lieutenant and infantry rifle platoon leader in the Iraq war from 2003-2004. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Chasing Ghosts, and a nationally recognized authority on the war in Iraq and issues affecting troops, military families and veterans. Prior to going to Iraq, Paul worked as a high school football coach and an Investment Banking Analyst on Wall Street. He received a BA in Political Science from Amherst College in 1998 and lives in New York City.  

Communications

Michelle McCarthy, Acting Communications Director. Michelle is responsible for external messaging for the organization in the press and across new media. Before joining IAVA, she worked as a reporter covering Wall Street and the U.S. economy. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Political Science, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Media Studies at The New School.

Matt Gallagher, Senior Fellow, Veteran. Matt is a former Army Captain who left service in 2009. He spent fifteen months in Iraq with the 25th Infantry Division as a cavalry scout platoon leader and a targeting officer, and was awarded the Combat Action Badge. His war memoir Kaboom: Embracing the Suck in a Savage Little War was published in April 2010 by Da Capo Press. He's also written for The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and AOL News. Matt graduated Wake Forest University in 2005 with a BA in History, and is an MFA candidate at Columbia University.

Jimmy Drury, Communications Coordinator. Jimmy interned with the Communications department and has joined IAVA for the long haul. As Communications Coordinator, Jimmy authors IAVA's Daily News Brief, contributed to Press Releases, and supports a diverse range of functions for his departments. Jimmy is a proud New Jersey native, and before joining IAVA, he earned a Master’s Degree from Providence College in Modern European History.

Membership & Outreach

Jason Hansman, Acting Membership Director, Veteran. As Online Community Manager, Jason is responsible for maintaining and growing Community of Veterans, the first and largest social network exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.  Prior to joining IAVA, Jason completed an 8-year enlistment in the Army Reserves as a Civil Affairs Sergeant.  From 2004 to 2005, he was deployed to Mosul, Iraq as the Operations NCO of a Civil Affairs company and helped manage hundreds of reconstruction projects.  Jason graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Political Science, with a minor in Near Eastern Language and Civilization.

Anthony Pike, Membership Coordinator, Veteran.  As Membership Coordinator, Anthony helps manage outreach to IAVA's Member Veterans nationwide. Anthony enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2000.  He served his first Iraq tour in Baghdad beginning in January 2004.  In March 2006, Anthony deployed for a second tour to Ramadi, Iraq.  He recently completed his bachelor's degree in aviation at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He resides in Queens, NY.

Nick Colgin, Membership Coordinator, Veteran. An active member hailing from Virginia, Nick first came to IAVA through Storm the Hill and an internship. Nick served as a combat medic for Bravo Company of the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious service, including saving the life of a Frenchman who was shot in the head. Nick recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a B.S. in English.

Policy

Jonathan Schleifer, Policy Director. As Policy Director, Jonathan is responsible for IAVA's legislative agenda and strategy. He also oversees IAVA's research projects and policy development. Jonathan most recently worked on former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen's successful bid for the United States Senate. He had previously worked as Congressman Anthony Weiner's (NY-9) Senior Policy Adviser. Before earning his Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, Jonathan was a public school teacher in the Teach for America program. He taught middle school in the South Bronx for five years. Jonathan also holds an MA from Columbia University's Teachers College.

Tom Tarantino, Deputy Policy Director, Veteran.  Tom is a former Army Captain who left service in 2007 after 10 years. He returned from Iraq in 2006 after one year of deployment with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Tom served in combat as both a cavalry and mortar platoon leader, and was awarded the Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star. Tom graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara in 2002 with a degree in Global Studies and International Relations. As Deputy Policy Director, Tom leads IAVA's Legislative Team with research and policy development through coordination with Congress, Veterans Service Organizations and governmental organizations.

Moran Banai, Senior Research Associate. As senior research associate, Moran leads IAVA’s research program and works closely with the policy director and legislative staff to define the most urgent issues facing new veterans. She most recently served as policy director of Middle East Progress, a project of the Center for American Progress. Previously, she worked as a researcher for the National Security Network and was the editor-in-chief of Columbia University’s Journal of International Affairs. Moran has a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a B.A. from Brown University.

Bryan Maxwell, Research Associate, Veteran. As a research associate, Bryan supports the Policy Department in researching and contributing to IAVA’s Issue Reports. Prior to joining IAVA, Bryan worked as Congressional Staffer for a Member of the House of Representatives. Bryan received a B.A. in History from University of Virginia in 2004 and also serves as an officer in the Army Reserves.

Ramsey Sulayman, Legislative Associate, Veteran. As Legislative Associate, Ramsey aids IAVA’s research and policy through coordination with Congress, Veterans Service Organizations and governmental organizations. Ramsey is a Marine officer and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom as an infantry platoon commander and company executive officer. He attended the University of Toledo where he received his B.A in Political Science and International Relations. He went to graduate school at Toledo where he studied and taught philosophy as a graduate assistant. Ramsey also has experience on Capitol Hill as a researcher for the Corporation for Effective Government and as a Congressional intern in office of Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D, OH). He is fluent in Spanish, French and Arabic.

Kate O'Gorman, Policy Coordinator. As policy coordinator, Kate works closely with the Policy Director to support the needs of the Policy & Research department. Prior to joining IAVA, Kate was a research assistant at New Partners Consulting. She received her BA in political science from Barnard College.

Ellen Marty, Receptionist. Ellen serves as the Receptionist for IAVA’s D.C. office where she provides support to the Policy and Research departments. Ellen graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BSB in Finance and Risk Management/Insurance, and is the proud wife of a U.S. Marine. 

Digital Engagement

Megan Hemler, Acting Digital Engagement Director. Megan supports the Digital Engagement department with web development, design, and new media initiatives. Prior to joining IAVA, Megan received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame with a minor in Peace Studies.

Strategic Partnerships

Katie VanLangen, Director of Strategic Partnerships. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, Katie oversees all of the organization’s relationships with external partners, with a special focus on IAVA’s veteran outreach campaign with the Ad Council. Prior to joining IAVA, Katie managed marketing for teacher recruitment at the NYC Department of Education and directed the development and production of various PSA campaigns at the Ad Council. She graduated from New York University with a Masters in public administration and a BS in marketing, management and journalism.

Michael Preston, Strategic Partnerships Associate. Michael joins IAVA after reporting stints at the New York Daily News and NBC Local. He previously was a freelance writer for True/Slant. Before moving to New York City, he worked at the Stanford Alumni Association for five years in the Alumni Communities Department with responsibilities covering event planning, club building and volunteer management. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Foreign Affairs and received his master’s degree in Journalism from the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Christina Kim, Senior Program Manager. Christina manages IAVA’s partnerships with the corporate sector. She has prior experience working with non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations and in broadcast journalism. She has also previously assisted “the War Tapes” filmmaker Deborah Scranton with the “Front Line, First Person: Iraq War Stories” conference, bringing together OEF and OIF veterans, journalists, academics and students to discuss the transformation of wartime media and storytelling. She is a graduate of Brown University with a degree in International Relations and Modern Culture and Media and recently completed her MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. A Colorado native, she currently resides in New York City.

Matt Colvin, Strategic Partnerships Fellow, Veteran. As a Strategic Partnership Fellow, Matt manages IAVA's partnerships in the corporate sector. Matt was born in Maryland and has been living in Hoboken, NJ since leaving the military in Sept 2007. He joined the US Air Force on Sept 11, 2001 and served six years with the 41st Electronic Combat Squadron in Tucson, AZ as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist. During his military career, Matt served two tours at Bagram, AB in Afghanistan in 2004 and again in 2006.  While there, he flew over 100 combat sorties conducting communications jamming and liaising with air and ground assets to coordinate raids. He is also using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to work toward his Bachelors in Business/Marketing with hopes of attending NYU's Stern School of Business in the coming year.

Development

Mitch Stoller, Chief Development Officer. Mitch has served the nonprofit sector for 28 years. He has been an "Agent for Change" throughout his career. He was recently awarded the "Patrick McKenna Lifetime Achievement Award" at his Alma Mater. Mitch has a Bachelor of Science degree from Frostburg State University and a Master of Arts degree in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Mitch also has served as the president and chief executive officer of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, where he was responsible for leading one of the fastest growing nonprofit organizations in the field of cancer survivorship. Among other things, Mitch implemented a paradigm-changing program in the nonprofit world by introducing the LIVESTRONG wristband campaign.  His experiences dealing with two of the most extraordinary figures in philanthropy, Lance Armstrong and Christopher Reeve have taught him a great deal about the triumph of the human spirit.

Shannon Carey, Development Director. Shannon comes to IAVA with 18 years of experience in the fundraising and philanthropy world. Prior to coming to IAVA, she was Chief Development Officer at the Urban League of Broward County. She began her employment in 1994 with United Way of Dade County in Miami, Florida as an account manager. Carey joined Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta in 1999. As Vice President of Development and Public Relations for Girls Inc., Carey was instrumental in helping to increase the organization’s visibility in the community, as well as, raising an additional $2.5 million dollars to expand the organizations capacity to serve more girls and create the first annual giving campaign. In 2003, Carey joined the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, a non-profit affordable housing organization as Director of External Affairs. 

Garrett Gleeson, Senior Development Associate. As a senior development associate, Garrett is responsible for developing materials and refining campaigns that communicate the value of IAVA's programs to the general public, and promote participation by donors and partners. Garrett received his BA in political science from Johns Hopkins University and his MA in journalism from Syracuse University.  He worked in communications and development at the Children's Tumor Foundation prior to joining IAVA.

Jacqueline Christina Noguera, Development Associate. Jax graduated from The University of Michigan with a BA in Psychology and a double major of Shakespeare Studies and Sociology.  Jacqueline proudly served as a congressional -aide to the Honorable Henry B. Gonzalez (D-TX).  She holds a Certificate of Completion for her conservatory studies at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy as well as her independent study at LAMDA in the UK.  She is a New York City Teaching Fellow and received her Master’s in Education from Hunter College.  She is also the co-founder of the University of Michigan Entertainment Coalition.  Most recently, she served as Field Organizer for the Obama Campaign and has written for The Huffington Post as well as Shakespeare Quarterly.  As Senior Development Associate, Jacqueline’s focus is on systems infrastructure and fundraising outreach.  She is the youngest of seven and all her siblings have served in the armed forces. She is a native Texan hailing from San Antonio but now happily abides in Astoria, Queens. 

Arati Rao, Grant Writer. As Grant Writer, Arati is responsible for diversifying and sustaining revenue streams through foundation and corporate grants. Arati has a doctorate in political science from Columbia University, and has consulting and work experience in the academic, not-for-profit and corporate sectors, including the United Nations system. 

Jen Rosa, Development Coordinator. As Development Coordinator, Jen is responsible for strengthening IAVA's fundraising base and expanding the success of special events and fundraising efforts nationwide. Prior to joining IAVA, Jen spent nearly four years at the YWCA managing the execution of special events, corporate sponsorships, fundraising campaigns, and major donor cultivation. She graduated from Montclair State University with a BA in Political Science and minor in Public Administration.

Samantha Warshauer, Development Fellow. As a Development Fellow, Sam works closely with the Director of Development to manage and grow relationships within IAVA's community of individual and institutional donors. Prior to joining IAVA as a consultant, Sam spent over six years as a structured finance attorney in private practice in Manhattan. In addition to securitization transactions, she has a background in federal housing finance policy and the reform of the government-sponsored enterprises. She graduated from Yale University with a BA in History, and Fordham University School of Law with a JD.

Executive Office

Derek Bennett, Chief of Staff, Veteran. Derek is a former Captain and Special Assistant to General David Petraeus and has served two tours in Iraq as a combat arms officer, including one as a troop commander. Following his military tenure, Derek transitioned to the private sector, bringing more than eight years  of general and project management experience to The Boston Consulting Group. Derek earned his Bachelors in Science from the esteemed United States Military Academy at West Point, followed by an MBA from Harvard University. 

Dana Morrissey, Senior Advisor to the Executive Director. As Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, Dana is responsible for coordinating internal and external interaction with the Executive Office, serving as an aide to the Executive Director, and managing the schedule and correspondence for the Executive Director. Dana graduated from the University of Virginia in 2004 with a BA in International Affairs and went on to work at the Clinton Foundation for a number of years before joining IAVA.

Michael Carey, Senior Advisor to the Executive Director. As Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, Michael is responsible for coordinating internal and external interaction with the Executive Office, serving as an aide to the Executive Director, and managing the schedule and correspondence for the Executive Director. Michael is a native of Massachusetts and graduated from The American University in Washington, DC. Michael previously worked at CNN; on Capitol Hill in the Office of Congresswoman Diana DeGette; and for Vice President and Mrs. Gore at the Naval Observatory.

Jacob Worrell, Special Projects Coordinator, Veteran. Jacob interned with IAVA in the Digital Engagement department and now supports IAVA's efforts full-time as Special Projects Coordinator. A former  sergeant in the Army's 172nd Stryker Brigade, Jacob is an Amherst Alum and an active IAVA member.

Operations

Devon Collins, Director of Operations. Devon has been with IAVA since 2005, serving as IAVA’s Director of Operations for over three years. Devon is responsible for growing the organization through development initiatives and in-house management of IAVA. She graduated Rollins College with a degree in Sociology.

Chris Zezza, Salesforce Architect. Chris has joined the IAVA team as Salesforce Architect, managing all things related to the IAVA database. Chris comes with a background in technology and nonprofit work, most recently he worked at The Climate Group, an international NGO set up to accelerate the transition to the low carbon economy. Before the Climate Group, Chris managed computer systems at National Semiconductor, Cingular Wireless in Puerto Rico, and the Strang Cancer Prevention Center. Chris holds a BFA in Acting from Marymount Manhattan College.

Brian Graham, Senior Operations Associate. Brian is responsible for many of the financial functions within the organization. Working closely with the Director of Operations, he manages financial controls and assists with IAVA’s financial reporting and budgeting process. Prior to joining IAVA, Brian worked as a Senior Accountant at PBS affiliate WNET. Brian graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Communications and holds a certificate in Financial Analysis from NYU.

Jeff Park, Office Manager, Veteran. Jeff assists the Director of Operations in meeting the various operational needs of IAVA.  A Los Angeles native, Jeff has been serving in the California Army National Guard since 2004, and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 2005.  He deployed with his battalion in 2007 to conduct convoy security missions throughout Iraq. Jeff is a graduate of the Army Infantry Officer Basic Course and the University of California, Berkeley where he received his BA in Political Science.

Milagros Scimia, Receptionist. Millie is the proud wife of an Army Sergeant and serves as the Receptionist for IAVA’s New York office. She supports both the Director of Operations and Office Manager in various areas of the Operations Department and office management. Millie is a graduate of Hofstra University with a BA in Political Science and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She holds certificates in Spanish Translation and Interpretation from Hunter College.

Human Capital

Michael Houston, Director of Human Capital. Michael has been with IAVA since 2006, serving in a variety of roles, currently as Director of Human Capital.  Prior to his current role, Michael worked as a Special Assistant to IAVA's Deputy Executive Director.  Michael also worked as an Associate in IAVA's Communications Department for three years, where he managed IAVA's media relations and outreach.  Michael is a graduate of Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY, where he earned a BA in History and Government.  

Carly Henderson, Human Capital Coordinator. As Human Capital Coordinator, Carly is responsible for supporting the IAVA team through hiring, benefits, professional development and keeping operations running efficiently. Carly is a graduate of the  University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the University of Westminster with a BA in Sociology and a concentration in Cultures, Industries, and Organizations. Before coming to IAVA, Carly supported recruiting at the Food Bank for NYC and interned at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a partnership between the Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association.

Board of Directors

• Les Gelb
• Rosanne Haggerty
• Perry Jefferies
• Yannick Marchal
• Wes Moore
• Craig Newmark
• Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director
• Ed Vick, Board Chairman

Les Gelb.  Leslie (Les) Howard Gelb is a former correspondent for The New York Times and is currently President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a fellow of theAmericanAcademy of Arts and Sciences.

Les was director of Policy Planning and Arms Control for International Security Affairs at the Department of Defense from 1967 to 1969, winning the Pentagon’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Award. Robert McNamara appointed Gelb as director of the project that produced the infamous Pentagon Papers, on the Vietnam War. He was an Assistant Secretary of State in the Carter Administration from 1977 to 1979, serving as director of the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs and winning the Distinguished Honor Award, the highest award of the US State Department.

He was a diplomatic correspondent at The New York Times from 1973 to 1977; between 1981 and 1993 he served in various positions, including national security correspondent, deputy editorial page editor, editor of the Op-Ed Page, and columnist. He was a leading member of the Times team that won a Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism in 1986 for a six-part comprehensive series on the Strategic Defense Initiative.

Les became President of the Council on Foreign Relations in 1993 and is now President Emeritus.  He received a B.A. fromTuftsUniversityin 1959, and an M.A. in 1961 and Ph.D. in 1964 fromHarvardUniversity. From 1964-1967 he was Assistant Professor of Government atWesleyanUniversity.

Rosanne Haggerty. Rosanne Haggerty is the founder of Common Ground Community, a not-for-profit housing development and management organization inNew York City, which provides innovative housing opportunities for homeless adults. Common Ground is the largest developer of supportive housing in theUnited States. The organization’s work has been widely imitated both in theUS and abroad.

Rosanne received her BA fromAmherstCollegeand is currently pursuing an MA at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Historic Preservation. Prior to founding Common Ground in 1990, she was the coordinator of housing development at Brooklyn Catholic Charities. In addition to her role as executive director of Common Ground, Rosanne serves as a trustee ofAmherstCollegeand the Folger Shakespeare Library, a director of the Times Square Business Improvement District and of the Dwelling Place Women's Shelter. She is a board member ofNew York City’s Citizens Housing and Planning Council and the Centre for Urban Community Services.

Perry Jefferies. Perry Jefferies served as a First Sergeant with the Army’s 4^th Infantry Division inIraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After deploying to Iraq and traveling with the cavalry through the Sunni Triangle, his unit moved to the Iran-Iraq border and set up Camp Caldwell, future home of the new Iraqi Army. 

Perry joined the Army after enlisting in the Texas National Guard and served in Korea,Germany, and theUnited Statesbefore deploying toIraq.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for service inIraq.  He has served in infantry, armor, and cavalry units as a cavalry scout, platoon sergeant, first sergeant, supply sergeant, and as an instructor at theArmorSchoolatFortKnox. He retired in 2004 and was awarded the Legion of Merit. He is a member of the Order of Saint George for service to Armor and Cavalry. A graduate ofPierceCollegeinWashington, he works with the Armed Services Blood Program atFortHoodand is a founding member ofIraqand Afghanistan Veterans of America. 

Yannick Marchal. Yannick Marchal is currently an exotic derivatives trader at Deutsche Bank in London in the Foreign Exchange Complex Risk group.  He co-founded IAVA with Paul in 2004 and acted as IAVA’s Chief Operating Officer through December 2005.  Prior to his time at IAVA, Yannick worked in the Investment Banking and Equity Research divisions at JPMorgan for over three years.  He graduated cum laude from Stern Undergraduate Business School in January 2000 and received an MBA from INSEAD, class of December 2006, with distinction. 

Wes Moore. Wes Moore is an investment professional for Citigroup, working directly for the head of the Global Banking Division. A Former White House Fellow, 2006-2007, Wes served as Special Assistant to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. A paratrooper and Captain in the United States Army, he served a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan with the elite 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. Wes spearheaded the American strategic support plan for the Afghan Reconciliation Program that unites former insurgents with the new Afghan Government. Wes completed an MLitt in International Relations from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University in 2001 with a degree in international relations. He is authoring a book published by Random House due for a highly anticipated 2010 release. Wes was recently named one of Ebony Magazine’s Top 30 Leaders Under 30 for 2007 and one of Crains New York top 40 young business leaders under 40.

Craig Newmark. A web-oriented software engineer by training, with 30 years of IT experience at companies such as IBM and Bank of America, Craig Newmark  now spends his days working as a customer service rep at Craigslist.org.

In 1995, while Craig was working at Charles Schwab, he started craigslist as an email list for friends and co-workers about events going on in the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1999, Craig retired from IT consulting to work full-time on craigslist. What started as a fun side project in Craig’s living room has since grown into one of the busiest sites on the internet, helping people with basic day-to-day needs such as finding a job, an apartment and a date, all within a culture of trust.

Craig is involved with a variety of community efforts and is particularly interested in organizations promoting public diplomacy,Middle Eastpeace and new forms of media such as participatory journalism. He sits on the boards of Sunlight Foundation, OneVoice, FactCheckED, and VotoLatino. Craig graduated from Case Western University.

Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director.  Paul Rieckhoff, a graduate of Amherst College (B.A. in Politics, 1998), enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves on September 15, 1998.  In June of 2002, he volunteered for active duty and a place in the pending war in Iraq.  Rieckhoff was working as an investment banker at JPMorgan prior to his deployment toIraq. Rieckhoff was released from active duty in March 2004 and now serves in the New York Army National Guard. Paul Rieckhoff is the founder and Executive Director of IAVA.

Edward Vick, Board Chairman.  Edward Vick is a former Naval officer who served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War and received two Bronze Star Medals with Combat “V”, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. His business career was spent in the marketing communications business, including most recently, the chairmanship of Young & Rubicam Advertising and its parent, Young & Rubicam Inc.