For the past 13 years, Tony Teravainen has been combatting food insecurity, homelessness, mental health conditions, suicide, and other crises by improving financial wellness through counseling, education, and financial support for our young military and veteran families.

As CEO, Tony oversees the positioning of Support The Enlisted Project (STEP) as a successful, trusted, and viable partner to our young military families and transitioning veterans. Under his guidance, STEP was created in Southern California, and is now serving families from across the country, as he works to fill STEP’s Vision 2032 with a national presence.

STEP has positively impacted more than 350,000 military and veteran family members, including 9,800 families in financial crisis move to self-sufficiency through his financial counseling intervention and $3.2 million in grants – with a 90% effectiveness rate.

Previously, Mr. Teravainen worked at Booz Allen Hamilton and Sony Electronics, owned and managed several small businesses, and managed operations and maintenance in the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Nuclear Power Program.

He holds undergraduate degrees in both business management and nuclear engineering, a master’s degree in Executive Leadership and in the final stages of his Ph.D. in Public Policy.

Tony is also active in his community, serving and served on multiple boards and commissions, while also receiving multiple awards and recognition including: Secretary of Defense’s Spirit of Hope Award, George Washington Honor Medal, Veteran of the Year, and Nonprofit Executive of the Year, among others. He holds one U.S. patent, is a TEDx speaker, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego.