Tyson Voelkel, who assumes the presidency of the Texas A&M Foundation in January, holds a master’s degree in international affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service and is currently a member of the School’s advisory board. The US Army veteran and 1996 graduate of Texas A&M University will take office on January 20, 2016. As head of the University’s major fundraising entity, he will oversee the recently launched $4 billion Lead by Example campaign, succeeding longtime Foundation President Ed Davis.
After graduating from Texas A&M, where he was commander of the Corps of Cadets and a member of the Aggie Band, Voelkel served fourteen years as an Army infantry officer, with assignments in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, including two deployments in Iraq. In 2005, Voelkel was selected by the Army for a fully funded graduate fellowship at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, where he earned a master’s degree in international affairs. During his time at the Bush School, he also served as the first student regent on the Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents. After graduation, he taught leadership and ethics at the US Military Academy at West Point and was an assistant coach for the Military Academy Triathlon Team.
Voelkel’s organizational leadership, asset management knowledge, and diverse educational experience were cited as reasons for his selection as Foundation president. Since leaving the military in 2012, Voelkel has worked with private wealth management firms that serve high-net-worth investors. Most recently, he founded Testudo Consulting Group, a boutique consultancy focused on building, managing, and advising high-net-worth family offices. Voelkel is a member of the Texas A&M University Board of Visitors and the Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.
“Tyson came to the Bush School with a wealth of military, organizational, and leadership experience, all of which contributed to his success here,” said Dean Ryan Crocker. “He has remained deeply involved with the School as a member of our advisory board and exemplifies our commitment to public service. He will bring that commitment and passion for A&M to this new and exciting opportunity.”
