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U.S. Election Assistance

Ms. Marilyn Iverson
Director
Veterans Canteen Service

Executive Biography: A recognized leader known for utilizing a strategic vision to achieve goals, Marilyn Iverson offers a forward thinking and results driven approach credited with financial and operational improvement at Veterans Canteen Service (VCS). Appointed Director in January 2007, Iverson oversees operational direction and leadership of more than 3,000 VCS associates servicing 172 canteen locations in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers across the United States.

In 2010, Iverson guided the VCS to its best financial year, with annual sales totaling more than 395 million dollars. Within 3 years, she has successfully executed strategic planning, continual sales and earnings growth, supply chain improvement and store modernization. One of the most significant achievements is the implementation of Oracle financials, a state of the art system that gains efficiencies providing more flexibility in data tracking and analysis.

Iverson came to VCS with over 35 years of service for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and retired as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in October 2006. As the COO, she led the Military Exchange Service, with annual sales in excess of 8 billion dollars, more than 48,000 associates, serving over 12 million military customers in Europe, Pacific, and throughout the United States. Her executive leadership positions included Vice President of Specialty Stores, Senior Vice President of the Main Stores Strategic Business Group, Senior Vice President of the Sales Directorate, Senior Vice President of the Central Region, Senior Vice President of the AAFES-Europe Region and Senior Vice President of the Eastern Region. Her staff perspective includes a collective 10 years experience as a Retail Buyer, the Branch Chief of Corporate Plans Directorate, Assistant Chief of Merchandising in the Sales Directorate, and Chief of Inventory Control, AAFES. During her career, in almost every position, she either oversaw or participated as a change management agent in a variety of projects, such as the first retail point of sale register, mechanizing payroll and productivity and reorganizing headquarters.

In addition to her career achievements, Iverson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and an MBA from Golden Gate University. She has completed Executive/Senior Leadership Programs at Harvard, Darden, Texas A&M University, and Kenan-Flagler at Raleigh-Durham.

Iverson empowers others to succeed and provides an environment and motivation for excellence. Her leadership philosophy is “to maintain absolute integrity, know your stuff, declare your vision, show uncommon commitment, expect positive results, take care of your people, and stand out in the front.”

Mr. Joseph (Ray) Tober
Chief Operating Officer
Veterans Canteen Service

Executive Biography: A high energy, goal-driven executive, Joseph (Ray) Tober approaches each new challenge with his inherent style for innovation, creativity and passion to drive consistent bottom-line improvements and Veteran-centered initiatives. Appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) in November 2008, Tober renders operational and customer service direction to 172 canteens located in VA Medical Centers across the country. While achieving over $395 million in annual sales, he leads 3,000 staff and field associates, effecting canteen operations ensuring standardization of national programs and policies. His primary focus is oriented toward providing the highest level of quality, value, and service to Veteran patients, caregivers, and visitors to VA hospitals.

Since his appointment as COO, Tober has led his staff by employing sound business principles while leading changes designed to enhance internal efficiencies, improve supply chain processes, secure new business opportunities, achieve financial goals, and drive customer service initiatives. He has strategically moved VCS toward a forward looking, goal oriented and metric measured organization.

Tober joined the VCS family in 1992, and in 1998, was appointed as the Associate Director, Resources and Support. He has over 33 years of Federal Service, serving with the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Defense, and nine years with the U.S. Army.

Along with his career achievements, Tober has a degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Masters Degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, St. Louis, MO. He is a 2004 graduate of the Federal Executive Institute, the Leadership VA, Class of 2001, the Healthcare Leadership Institute in 2000, and graduate of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.