Prasnicki: “A Lasting Influence on VMI’s Future”

By any measure, 40 years is a large portion of someone’s life. When you start thinking about people’s working lives, four decades—give or take a few years—constitute almost their entire working life. For David L. Prasnicki, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer, four decades is almost precisely the entirety of his career, and he has spent almost all of it at the VMI Alumni Agencies. That career came to an end with Prasnicki’s retirement in early April 2026.

Prasnicki began his career at VMI a bit more than 40 years ago when, almost immediately after receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Roanoke College in 1985, he started working for the VMI treasurer’s office. In February 1986, Harry Warner ’57, then-VMI Foundation executive vice president, and Robert Wentz ’54, then-VMI Alumni Association executive vice president, recruited him to join the VMI Foundation. As Prasnicki recently stated, “That moment marked the beginning of a career devoted entirely to the VMI Alumni Agencies, the Institute, and—most importantly—the Corps of Cadets.”

In 1992, he became the VMI Foundation chief financial officer; in 1998, he received the title and responsibilities of vice president and chief financial officer. In those positions, Prasnicki supervised a staff of dedicated professionals who provided accounting, personnel management, financial management, and information technology services to the VMI Foundation, the VMI Keydet Club, the VMI Alumni Association, the VMI Alumni Agencies, the George C. Marshall Foundation, and the former VMI Development Board.

Prasnicki has also been responsible for the daily management of the VMI Investment Committee and its successor organization, VMI Investment Holdings, LLC, which have been responsible for the stewardship of the endowments that support the Institute, the VMI Alumni Agencies, and the George C. Marshall Foundation. In that capacity, he was instrumental in the development of new investment strategies and provided invaluable advice to board members.

In fall 2021, Prasnicki became the interim VMI Alumni Agencies CEO, and he was named to the permanent role in January 2022.

Prasnicki made significant contributions to the work of four major fundraising campaigns, all of which enjoyed widespread support among the VMI family and raised hundreds of millions of dollars in support of the Institute. He also played key roles in the establishment of the Jackson-Hope Fund and the General J.H. Binford Peay III 1962 Endowment for Academic Excellence, both of which provide financial support critical to the steady advancement of VMI’s academic program.

Last decade, the VMI Alumni Agencies embarked upon a reorganization aimed at making its work on behalf of the Institute more efficient and effective. A major goal of the reorganization was to enhance the Institute’s execution of its mission to provide well-educated, active, and above all, honorable citizen-soldiers to the Commonwealth and the country. Throughout the process of developing a new structure and executing the necessary changes, Prasnicki was a crucial player, offering insights rooted in his extensive experience that were valued by everyone involved with the reorganization.

Conrad M. Hall ’65, a long-time volunteer leader, has served in many capacities with the Agencies, including as VMI Foundation president, VMI Investment Holdings, LLC, board member, and currently, General J.H. Binford Peay III 1962 Endowment for Academic Excellence board member. Asked to reflect on Prasnicki’s contributions to VMI, Hall started by citing the impact of his efforts regarding investments: “David’s financial skills are legendary, as is his knowledge of the financial markets. By applying them to the stewardship of the Agencies’ investments management, he significantly contributed to the increase of the endowment’s value from $49 million in 1986 to $875 million today—outstanding growth that has resulted in significant benefits for VMI.”

On a personal note, Hall said, “It has been a great pleasure and privilege to have worked with him for more than 30 years on numerous projects—many having a lasting impact. I and others consider him a very special friend with whom we have enjoyed many joyous occasions with him and some, most regrettably, of deep sadness.”

One thing that has struck just about everyone who has worked with Prasnicki is his profound love of VMI. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, the Institute’s 15th superintendent, remarked, “From my first encounter with David, his pride and deep dedication to VMI were obvious; it was as though he had himself been a cadet. I can’t recall another leader in the VMI community who so passionately shared VMI’s story by emphasizing cadet experiences and the achievements of our respected alumni. His openness to working with me and his genuine communication with alumni about all the positive developments on post have left a lasting influence on VMI’s future.”

John Williams ’88, Alumni Agencies Board chairman and VMI Foundation Board of Trustees president, said, “The Alumni Agencies would not be what they are today without the leadership of David Prasnicki. His dedication to supporting VMI is unmatched and is reflected in the exceptional staff he assembled within the Agencies. David has worked tirelessly to ensure the Agencies remain steadfastly focused on VMI’s mission—particularly through recent challenges and periods of leadership transition. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with David; he embodies the very best of VMI. His impact is lasting, and it is clear that David will be impossible to replace.”

It is undeniable that Prasnicki’s efforts have had a profoundly positive effect on the lives of thousands of cadets—including that of one of his sons who graduated from the Institute, Tyler Prasnicki ’15. Therefore, as a beloved colleague heads into retirement, the VMI Alumni Agencies extends to him warmest wishes for a long, healthy, and happy retirement and bids him—as he has so often has bid others—godspeed.