New Cohort of U.S. Veteran and Military-Spouse Business Leaders Selected for CEOcircle Program

Today, Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veteran & Military Families (IVMF) and J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking announced the new cohort of 60 business leaders selected for CEOcircle, a yearlong peer accountability training program tailored to help mid-size veteran and military spouse executives scale their businesses.

Since launching their joint effort to support veteran and military spouse founders in 2021, J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking and the IVMF have guided over 250 business owners through CEOcircle, a program that helps participants access growth opportunities, mentorship, and a strong network of peers.

The program is helping build a broader community across the country for veterans and military spouses in business and entrepreneurship, with the majority of graduating CEOcircle participants reporting that they gained new business opportunities as a result of their experience. Some cohort members have joined for a second round of the program, while other alumni continue to stay engaged through dedicated events and by serving as alumni facilitators.

“It’s an honor to support our country’s veterans and military-connected individuals on their incredible business journeys. Their operational excellence, strategic focus and innovative thinking is remarkable, and we are proud to be a part of their growth journeys,” said U.S. Air Force Veteran Alex McKindra, Managing Director in Global Corporate Banking and Co-Head of Global Banking Veteran Initiatives at J.P. Morgan. “With the right resources and support, they are even more unstoppable.”

The new CEOcircle cohort is comprised of veterans and military spouse business leaders from across the country and represents an array of industries, with a significant concentration in technology, government contracting and manufacturing. Their average revenue is $8 million and combined they employ more than 2,500 people.

“We are thrilled to launch the fifth CEOcircle cohort alongside J.P. Morgan,” said Misty Fox, Director of Entrepreneurship at the IVMF. “Each year, we have the privilege of working with an exceptional group of military-connected business leaders who are not only focused on growing their companies and personal leadership but are also deeply committed to continuing their service. They show up for one another — sharing resources, lessons learned, and meaningful connections — fostering a powerful community of support and success.”