Director of the NYU Tandon Veterans Future Lab Tapped by NYC Mayor

When Mayor Bill de Blasio and members of his administration want a better understanding of the issues facing New York City’s military veterans and their families, they turn to experts with first-hand experience for advice. The city’s 11-member Veterans Advisory Board includes representatives of various military branches and eras of service who stand at the ready to give their perspective and wisdom.

James Hendon — a 2002 graduate of West Point whose Army service record includes time as a Mortar Platoon Leader and Battalion Public Affairs Officer to Iraq (2005) and Senior Advisor to the Afghan Border Police in Afghanistan (2007-2009), among other such vital posts — has perspective and wisdom in abundance.

Now a drilling U.S. Army Reservist, NYC Lead for the 75th Innovation Command, Director of the NYU Tandon Veterans Future Lab, and founder of his own company, Hendon was appointed by de Blasio in November to a three-year term on the Board.

While the average person might find taking on so many roles daunting, Hendon is driven by his commitment to service and determination to give back to his community and country. His firm, the Energy Economic Development Corporation, creates green jobs by helping organizations take advantage of energy-related advancements, and in his capacity as director of the Veterans Future Lab — an incubator solely for ventures founded by U.S. military veterans, veterans’ spouses, and others affiliated with the Department of Defense — he guides former servicemen and women in transitioning to a gratifying civilian life as entrepreneurs.

Now, with his new appointment to the Veterans Advisory Board, he’ll help New York City’s Department of Veterans' Services to develop useful and effective policies and ensure that the city serves the needs of those who have returned home from their own service to the nation.

“It is an honor to serve on the Veterans Advisory Board,” Hendon says. “Collectively, we do everything in our power to listen and give a voice to the approximately 200,000 Veterans who live in New York City.  Each member brings a different perspective to the board.  I am happy to relay the student Veteran experience as an active supporter of NYU’s community of over 700 enrolled students who are U.S. Military Veterans or dependents. I am also happy to provide the Veterans entrepreneurship perspective through my role as an entrepreneur and Director of the Veterans Future Lab.”

The entire NYU Tandon community congratulates him on his well-deserved appointment and can think of no one who will more capably and forthrightly carry out the advisory board’s mission.