About John Picerne
John Picerne is a philanthropist and business leader who founded the mission-driven company Corvias and the Corvias Foundation. The company provides solutions related to infrastructure and housing, including property and asset management, financing, energy management, and construction, serving military, higher education, and other public and private sector partners. Corvias has implemented wellness initiatives that adhere to the Department of Defense’s Strategy for Resilient and Healthy Defense Communities. These initiatives have led to an 82% increase in overall resident satisfaction with on-post housing, including a 93% increase in satisfaction with water quality and an 95% interest in air quality satisfaction.
John Picerne founded the Corvias Foundation in 2006 to give back to the communities the company serves. To that end, the foundation supports military families in their pursuit of higher education and meaningful careers, providing more than $15 million in grants and scholarships. The foundation also supports the work of several charitable organizations around the country. It works in partnership with the Army Scholarship Foundation, providing donations to fund scholarships, and with the National Military Family Association, helping to support the NMFA Military Spouse Scholarship Program. Mr. Picerne continues to spearhead transformative new programs at the foundation as well.
The Corvias Foundation adheres to three pillars in its operation: community connection, resource development, and thought leadership. Via its Opportunity Hubs model, the foundation is convening with partners to provide access to literacy support, college advice and guidance, career opportunities, and K-12 school success programs. More information about the important work of the Corvias Foundation can be found at corviasfoundation.org.
Outside of these commitments, John Picerne is an active member of his community in Rhode Island. He is a past president of the Rhode Island Business Association, was selected to serve on the Governor’s Council for Environmental Impact, and previously served on the board of trustees of the Newport Preservation Society. He lives in Narragansett with his family.
AWARDS
Members of Congress can give Certificates of Special Congressional Recognition to people and organizations within their constituencies to celebrate significant achievements, service to the community, important milestones, acts of heroism, and other major occasions. The certificate is an official acknowledgement of a person or entity who has contributed positively to the local community and achieved a noteworthy accomplishment.
In 2009, John Picerne received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition when he was honored with the Department of the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service. The certificate was issued by Congressman James Langevin, who represented Rhode Island’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2023.
The Department of the Army Commander's Award for Public Service is a medal and ribbon presented to civilians who have made significant contributions to the U.S. Army's mission. It recognizes civilians who are not employed by the Army or its contractors, as well as federal government officials and technical experts who provide valuable service or advice. The award is given for distinguished service or achievements that substantially contribute to the success of an Army activity, command, or staff agency.
John Picerne was recognized by the Army in 2009 with the Commander’s Award for his outstanding generosity and support to Army soldiers and their families. He continues to foster those deep relationships with the leadership of the Army, our soldiers, and their families to this day. This is reflected in the Core Values of Corvias.
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is a private, educational nonprofit and professional development association that serves the U.S. Army and those civilians who support a strong national defense. AUSA presents national awards that honor individuals for their service and dedication to the Army, the American soldier, and our country’s defenses. These awards are presented annually and highlight leaders whose outstanding contributions advance the mission of the Army and the AUSA.
In 2012, John Picerne received the AUSA Award for Distinguished Service, which honored his work bringing safe, clean housing to military servicemembers and their families via Corvias, and his support for educational and career opportunities for military families via the Corvias Foundation.