News

Nov 22, 2021

The COMMIT Foundation is growing and adding a Director of Veteran Services

The COMMIT Foundation’s mission is to help exceptional American service members and veterans transition into successful ...

The COMMIT Foundation’s mission is to help exceptional American service members and veterans transition into successful roles and careers post-service. The COMMIT Foundation is changing the way veterans and Corporate America think about military transition by providing high touch transition support that becomes the standard nationwide so veterans in all communities can access services helping them identify their passions, build strong networks, and leverage their skills in civilian careers. The COMMIT Foundation seeks to add a full-time Director of Veteran Services to the team. The Director of Veteran Services is dedicated to assisting a diverse population of service members, veterans and their families find meaning and purpose after their service in the military. This position will report to COMMIT’s Chief Programs Officer. Full Job Description Applications are closed.

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  • Jun 2, 2021

    The COMMIT Foundation is growing and adding a Director of Development to our team

    The COMMIT Foundation’s mission is to help exceptional American service members and veterans transition into successful roles and careers post-service. The COMMIT Foundation is changing the way veterans and corporate America think about military transition by providing high-touch transition support that becomes the standard nationwide so veterans in all communities can access services helping them identify their passions, build strong networks, and leverage their skills in civilian careers.The COMMIT Foundation is seeking a Part-Time Director of Development, Administration (DoD). Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the DoD will be responsible for supporting and managing up to the CDO. The DoD will provide operational support for COMMIT’s development calendar, assist with donor acknowledgement, track donor upgrades, and develop and implement a strategic organizational plan to steward and cultivate major and planned gifts from individuals as well as corporate and foundation revenue.We are seeking an outgoing, creative, goal-oriented, highly organized individual. The ideal candidate must be able to collaborate in a team environment, possess strong writing and editing skills, and stay organized in a fast-paced work environment. The position is closed.

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  • Apr 2, 2021

    COMMIT has a New CEO

    The COMMIT Foundation is pleased to announce Alexander Lion Krongard, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Lower Half (Retired) will join The COMMIT Foundation as Chief Executive Officer in May. Krongard comes to The COMMIT Foundation after four years as Managing Director at DC Advisory. Prior to joining DC Advisory, he served as a Naval Special Warfare Officer and held several senior positions influencing military strategy and defense policy including on the National Security Council staff. Over the course of his military career as a Navy SEAL, he served across the world in Europe, East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The COMMIT Foundation’s mission is to help exceptional American service members and veterans transition into successful roles and careers post-service, ensuring they find purpose and meaning, both personally and professionally after military service. COMMIT creates tailored transition solutions for top veteran talent and reaches veterans across the Nation through high-impact workshops and one-on-one transition assistance programs. Additionally, through its corporate education program, COMMIT ensures corporate America is veteran-ready and well poised to hire and retain our Nation’s transitioning service members and veterans. “I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to support the men and women who have served our great Nation selflessly as they transition into their next role out of uniform,” said Krongard. “I would also particularly like to thank my colleagues at DC Advisory for their support as I myself transitioned from the military to private sector and now again as I step into this new role in the nonprofit sector.” COMMIT’s Chairman and Co-founder, Guy Filippelli, praised Krongard’s record of excellence. “COMMIT is honored to have an incredible individual taking the helm. Alex is known in the military community for his investment in people and giving them a sense of purpose and mentorship.” Filippelli emphasized Krongard’s leadership as COMMIT will continue to provide best in class services to post-9/11 veterans who have so bravely defended our liberties.

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  • Feb 16, 2021

    USAA and COMMIT Support Veterans Transitioning from the Military

    The COMMIT Foundation recently received a $250,000 grant from The USAA Foundation to help American service members and veterans transition into successful roles and careers post-service. Founded in 2012, the COMMIT Foundation is fundamentally changing the way service members and veterans approach their transition from the military to the civilian sector. COMMIT’s innovative, person-centered services begin by identifying exactly where the veterans are in the transition journey, coaching them through a set of modules designed to help them determine what lives they want to live post-service, and connecting them with people who can help make the life they’ve designed a reality. The USAA Foundation’s investment will support one-on-one transition services and programs, including executive coaching, consultation with COMMIT's Directors of Veterans Services, Pursue Your Purpose, resume and interview coaching, and transition mentoring workshops to fundamentally change transition. "Open to all ranks and services, COMMIT’s programs ensure participants have clarity, skills, and connections to improve outcomes for a successful transition out of uniform. We are incredibly grateful to The USAA Foundation for supporting a breadth of services provided by the COMMIT team of teams. USAA and The USAA Foundation have been a part of so many military families’ lives; we are proud to partner with them in our endeavors," said Anne Meree Craig, CEO of The COMMIT Foundation.

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  • Dec 2, 2020

    Montana Veteran’s Family Offers Assistance to Other Veterans

    Bozeman, Mont. December 2, 2020—While 2020 has been challenging for many, it hit Susie Sikora of Akron, Ohio, especially hard when her brother was killed in a tragic accident outside Hardin on March 5. A native of Canton, Ohio, and an Eagle Scout who flew solo on his sixteenth birthday, Steve Studer was an outdoor enthusiast, coin collector, and a historian of the Civil War. He enlisted in the Army immediately after high school and served in the 7th Cavalry in Germany during the Vietnam War. After his tour in Germany, Studer relocated to Montana and earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master’s in education from Eastern Montana College in Billings. He bought 40 acres in the remote mountains near Nye, Montana, in the south central part of the state where he volunteered for the local Fire Department. Studer deployed as a master sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves during the Persian Gulf War and according to Sikora valued the friendships he created through the military. “Throughout his life Steve expressed a desire to help other veterans transition from the military into civilian life,” said Sikora. “Steve wanted to use his 40 acres at the base of the mountains to help veterans.” Unfortunately, Studer died before launching his own programming. Within days of Studer’s death, Sikora learned about The COMMIT Foundation, a national nonprofit that helps service members and veterans transition out of the military. “I almost never have the t.v. on,” said Sikora. “But, that day I had the Today show on in the background and heard Anne Meree talking about an organization that helps veterans adjust to civilian life. I knew Steve would want to support those veterans.” In honor of his military service and his desire to help other veterans, Studer’s family sold his ranch and donated proceeds to The COMMIT Foundation. “The Sikoras’ generosity is incredibly inspiring,” said Anne Meree Craig, co-founder and CEO of The COMMIT Foundation. “It feels so serendipitous that within days of her brother’s death Susie learned about our organization that is based out of Montana and so closely aligned with Steve’s vision to helptransitioning veterans.” Started in 2012, The COMMIT Foundation helps American service members and veterans transition into successful roles and careers post-service by providing high touch transition support so veterans in all communities can access services helping them identify their passions, build strong networks, and leverage their skills in civilian careers. According to Craig, “COMMIT aims to help service members reimagine the possibilities, and a gift like the one from The Sikoras goes a long way toward making that happen. We are incredibly grateful.”

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  • Nov 27, 2020

    Service Before Self Podcast Featuring The COMMIT Foundation

    Anne Meree Craig, CEO and CO-Founder of COMMIT discusses transitioning from military services to civilian society with host Sam Whitehurst, COMMIT Alumni and Vice President (Programs & Services) at Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services. It is never too early to think about your future after the military, but it is often easier said than done. Service members usually start thinking about transitioning once they are already “in the breach”; why do they wait so long? The struggle of what will be the next career is shared by many military members. The COMMIT Foundation is an organization that assists service members in figuring out the answer to that question and finding the best next thing to do that is going to bring value to their lives and help them to find their purpose. Craig shares her story and describes how The COMMIT Foundation helps high-performance service members find their purpose and become contributing members of their communities. Listen here: Spotify or Apple.

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  • Nov 20, 2020

    A New Year, A New CEO

    A New Year, A New CEO It is with deep respect and admiration for an incredible journey and team of teams that I announce a search for new leadership at The COMMIT Foundation. Since 2012, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to turn an idea into a reality. Today, COMMIT is as strong as ever, a thriving organization that is changing more lives than I could have ever imagined. Our team and our programs are transformational and growing. Over the past three years particularly, thanks to the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation, I had the opportunity to learn how to truly grow a business and lead a team. During that time, thanks to The George W. Bush Institute and my dear friends Laura Maasdam and Bridget Ruiz, I also found mechanisms to heal from the original reason I started COMMIT. Our family suffered from the side effects of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. I cannot express enough gratitude for the amazing programs, mentors, coaches, facilitators, and friends that enabled our recovery and growth. In 2021, COMMIT will embark upon a new year with an incredible vision, strategy, programming, and funders alongside us. We are poised to continue changing the narrative in the veteran space while sharing our programming and thought leadership with our partners so collectively we have greater impact on the men and women who serve in uniform. I am blessed to have an incredible committee helping me with the search for our new CEO. Matt Oberhardt, Executive Talent Partner at Andreessen Horowitz; Mimi Bock, President of Cetera Advisors and First Allied Securities; and Tom Peddicord, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, are leading the initiative. All three of these leaders have helped me grow massively over the years and I am grateful for their dedication to me, to COMMIT, and ensuring we find the right person for our next phase of growth. We assure you the transition process will not be rushed and will be executed smartly. As for me, I am grateful to now do what we ask our transitioning service members to do. I am exploring my values and my strengths in order to take the next bold move. Many of you know my passion for our country runs deep. I also have a strong desire to be the best partner to my husband and the best mother to my three amazing kids. I am exploring both the private and public sector as I think about next steps. It has been an honor to have had not only the opportunity but also the responsibility to serve the Post 9/11 Generation through COMMIT’s meaningful work. I look forward to finding new ways to serve while always holding a special place for COMMIT and its mission in my endeavors. With gratitude and in service, Anne Meree Craig Please See Job Description: Download PDF

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  • Nov 16, 2020

    FISERV Sponsored Ijeoma Mbadiwe at The COMMIT Foundation’s Women's Transition Workshop

    Bozeman, Mont. November 9, 2020 – Born in the United States but raised in Nigeria, Ijeoma Mbadiwe learned early on that a keen understanding of her environment and the players involved would be crucial for success. In Nigeria, this meant learning enough about the numerous ethnic groups and avoiding cultural missteps. At 13 her family returned to the United States and at 18 she enlisted in the United States Army. While serving on active duty, Ijeoma earned a Master’s degree from the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University and a second Master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence at the National Intelligence University. Her academic background coupled with what she describes as her experiences as a “third-culture kid” greatly influenced her career as an intelligence analyst. Ijeoma transitioned from the Army after 21 years of service and would like to thank Fiserv for sponsoring her as a participant in The COMMIT Foundation’s annual Women’s Transition Workshop in October. When asked about her transition out of the military Ijeoma shared a favorite quote from Mary Anne Radmacher, “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day that says: I will try again tomorrow.” Ijeoma is exploring multiple opportunities and redesigning her life through this transition. “The COMMIT Women’s Transition Workshop was a godsend,” said Mbadiwe. “Finding my next chapter is a process and I now have this great group of women to bounce ideas off.”

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  • Jul 13, 2020

    COMMIT Q2 Report: Make an Impact - Support our Veterans

    The COMMIT Foundation recognizes that in unprecedented times we all benefit from connection, information, and guidance. 2020 has been COMMIT’s busiest year to date. We are dedicated to addressing the challenges our Nation’s service members and veterans face as they transition from military into civilian life. We are uniquely positioning COMMIT to serve during COVID-19 and scale our services as the need for transition assistance increases. A Virtual Reception with USSOCOM Leadership On Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. EST / 5:30 p.m. MDT/ 4:30 p.m. PST COMMIT will host a special conversation with Vice Admiral Tim Szymanski and his incredible wife, Marci where they will engage us in an inspiring discussion from the special operations community and share how military service impacts the physical, emotional, and mental health of not only our service members, but their families as well. We will also be joined by the Honorable Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado. Please support COMMIT and join us! COMMIT Launches Virtual Workshops In April and May 2020, The COMMIT Foundation hosted two four-day virtual workshops for transitioning service members and veterans. We were blessed to have outstanding COMMIT mentors volunteer their time to share stories and counsel in order to connect with our program participants. The COMMIT workshops focused on group discussions around transition and provided an opportunity for participants to share their concerns and experiences with other transitioning veterans. Participants gathered online twice after each workshop to share insights as to how their outreach efforts were going and to encourage each other to further develop their narratives and networks. “Well-being is made up of meaningful work and meaningful relationships,” said Lacey Sladky, a COMMIT facilitator and coach during her opening remarks at the April workshop. COMMIT is proud of the incredible work and lasting relationships that our programs make possible. “These were particularly interesting workshops as they were the first conducted via a virtual setting,” said Scott Walgren, Chief Programs Officer for The COMMIT Foundation. “We were worried about how participants would respond to an online platform, but were pleasantly surprised at how effective it was. We definitely see virtual workshops being part of our plans moving forward.” Staff commented that the online platform allowed participants to quickly engage with one another from the comfort of their own homes. Reggie Mills, Director of Veteran Services for COMMIT and a Navy veteran said, “I am truly honored to be part of an organization focused on assisting top-tier service members with their growth in the transition space.” He then summed up the event adding, “It’s exciting to see the information, imagination, and confidence gaps closing in our Nation’s finest.” Shaun McAndrew, a Navy captain and participant in the May workshop stated, “COMMIT has been phenomenal adding an outsider view with genuine, critical, and caring communication.” “I've tried other transition programs, and the first thing they ask for is my resume,” added McAndrew. “COMMIT filled in the gaps.” Members shared their appreciation for COMMIT’s work. “I just wanted to thank you and the whole organization for the opportunity to participate in the workshop,” said Josh Salem, an Army colonel retiring in January 2021 and a participant in the May workshop. “It was an amazing experience that definitely helped me construct a solid narrative (finally) and have more confidence asking for help from mentors.” COMMIT Offers Online Seminar to Naval Surface Warfare Operators The COMMIT Foundation was honored to host an online seminar May 19 for 37 Naval Surface Warfare Operators, Direct Support, and their spouses for a discussion on military transition and how The COMMIT Foundation can be of benefit in that journey. In addition to the information about our high-touch, individualized services, we walked the cohort through exercises and handouts to highlight our unique approach. Mimi Bock, mentor and board member, and Brian Ferguson, a former SEAL and COMMIT Alum, engaged the group with questions and answers from their impressive professional experiences and provided helpful insights. Brian shared a document with the participants that included answers to questions frequently asked by transitioning NSW members. Feedback noted that the seminar was “very focused, but open and exploratory as well.” Imagine how much benefit comes from ongoing assistance if COMMIT can make this much impact in a few hours. COMMIT Hosts Webinar - Hiring During COVID As COVID presented unique challenges to those in the midst of career transitions, COMMIT responded with its first-ever webinar on hiring on June 4. The webinar brought together talent experts to share their insights on how to interview and transition in the time of COVID. Matt Oberhardt, Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, Renee Whalen, Managing Director of Strategic Accounts for Robert Half, and Erin Scruggs, Senior Director of Talent Acquisitions at LinkedIn, spent an hour with COMMIT’s Scott Walgren, Chief of Programs, and shared tips and strategies for how candidates can better understand and navigate the current interviewing and hiring environment. 100 veterans transitioning from the military listened to the discussion and posed questions to the panelists. Feedback has been positive on the insight provided. Transitioning service member, Martha Foss, added, "Like everything else that The COMMIT Foundation puts its name on, this event, too, was extremely well planned and executed to perfection. The content was 100% relevant, informative, and timely. I am grateful for the additional knowledge this hiring panel armed me with that I will use on my transition journey. I continue to be both honored and humbled to be a part of The COMMIT Foundation." Panel advice ranged from recognizing the corporate culture that candidates are seeking and ways to evaluate culture in a remote environment, understanding the prevalence of and personal comfort level for remote work moving forward, as well as how to highlight soft skills to successfully stand out amongst other candidates. The panelists emphasized that hiring hasn’t stopped, but rather changed in terms of how candidates are being evaluated and what work may look like moving forward. Renee Whalen shared, “I recommend being open-minded and flexible to what’s available. Bring the confidence you currently have in your military role to the new environment. And, learn to be a video star so you’re comfortable being you on camera.” COMMIT looks forward to offering future panels on relevant topics. Thank you to United Airlines Miles on a Mission The COMMIT Foundation was chosen by United Airlines to be one of the nonprofits highlighted in their Miles on a Mission program. Through this program United MileagePlus members were able to donate their miles to COMMIT with a limited match from United. As a result 1,500,000 miles were donated to COMMIT for our service members and veterans. COMMIT will use these miles for our veterans to travel to programs and professional development. Looking Ahead Please visit The COMMIT Foundation events page to learn more about our upcoming fall workshops

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  • Apr 8, 2020

    COMMIT Q1 Report: Invest in Veterans & Make an Impact

    Dear COMMIT Friends, On April 8, The COMMIT Foundation conducted its Q1 2020 Board Meeting. The team was excited to share our 2019 audit results and report our busiest quarter since inception with 340 persons applying for assistance and 704 services provided to 304 of our Nation’s finest January through March. This represented a 48% increase from the previous quarter. COMMIT is poised to serve veteran participants during this time thanks to two incredible online products our team began building in 2018. The Pursue Your Purpose Online Transition Assistance Program and Digital Library are absolute game-changers for transitioning servicemembers and veterans. We are also running our first virtual transition workshop this week. Our unique curriculum offers a non-clinical approach to mental health that ensures our men and women leaving uniform are in the right headspace before they make their career decisions. We focus on our veterans being happy and leading meaningful lives and careers post-service. As we eagerly move into Q2, we are focused on 2020 Objectives, continuing to innovate our delivery model, and de-risking our business at a strange time in history. Above all, we are focused on taking care of one another with the qualitative level of care for which we are known. In light of our 2020 Objectives, COMMIT is expanding our Corporate Education Program. In the coming weeks, we will offer a series of virtual workshops for talent management professionals to help them become veteran ready employers. To our COMMIT Community, we are honored to serve you and yours during the transition from the military to the next chapter. If you are a like-minded organization that focuses on quality of service and the reinvestment of our men and women in uniform into the fabric of our Nation, please reach out to us. Yours in Service, The COMMIT Team

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