Board of Trustees

The Leaders Who Shape Valley Forge

Our distinguished board members bring a variety of lifetime experiences to inform their decisions and ensure the future success of Valley Forge.

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2156718107354262708_487630402 The Anthony Wayne American Legion Post 418, in conjunction with Radnor Township, has recently honored the memory of two #VFMACalumni who gave their lives for our Country. The Radnor Township Hometown Hero Program selected members of the community whose names are on the Wall of Honor, located on the Radnor Township War Memorial. Those chosen from Valley Forge were Eric Fisher Wood Jr. ’37, who gave his life during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, and Alonzo Robert Toal ’56, who gave his life during the Vietnam War. The Township has placed, nearly 50 banners throughout the area in tribute of these local heroes.

The Anthony Wayne American Legion Post 418, in conjunction with Radnor Township, has recently honored the memory of two #VFMACalumni who gave their lives for our Country. The Radnor Township Hometown Hero Program selected members of the community whose names are on the Wall of Honor, located on the Radnor Township War Memorial. Those chosen from Valley Forge were Eric Fisher Wood Jr. ’37, who gave his life during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, and Alonzo Robert Toal ’56, who gave his life during the Vietnam War. The Township has placed, nearly 50 banners throughout the area in tribute of these local heroes. ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2155937662925448560_487630402 #Repost @vfma_rifle_club • • • • • • Today the cadets received excellent #marksmanship instruction by SFC Lunsmann of the #ROTC department (along with several college cadets) on bolt action .22s in the Mellon range. A big thank you for sharing your time and talent! #army #vfma @vfmac @vfmcarmyrotc @jai.ghude @felicianewland Courage Honor Conquer 🏆

#Repost @vfma_rifle_club
• • • • • •
Today the cadets received excellent #marksmanship instruction by SFC Lunsmann of the #ROTC department (along with several college cadets) on bolt action .22s in the Mellon range. A big thank you for sharing your time and talent! #army #vfma @vfmac @vfmcarmyrotc @jai.ghude @felicianewland
Courage Honor Conquer 🏆 ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2154897385104238696_487630402 #Repost @vfmcarmyrotc • • • • • • Ranger Challenge

#Repost @vfmcarmyrotc
• • • • • •
Ranger Challenge ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2154576226424817946_487630402 Beautiful day for a college class to go outside and talk about foreign policy.

Beautiful day for a college class to go outside and talk about foreign policy. ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2153728386382582622_487630402 Happy Birthday, @usnavy – thank you for your service!

Happy Birthday, @usnavy – thank you for your service! ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2153093971823206460_487630402 Our Academy Dean, Dr. Lea, speaking at our Open House this morning.

Our Academy Dean, Dr. Lea, speaking at our Open House this morning. ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2152404264978101353_487630402 #Repost @vfmacathletics • • • • • • Come support the Lady Trojans on Saturday at 12 PM for their THINK PINK match against Bucks County Community College! There's no charge to attend the game but any donations received will support Breast Cancer research! #BreastCancerAwareness #ThinkPinkMatch #GoTrojans

#Repost @vfmacathletics
• • • • • •
Come support the Lady Trojans on Saturday at 12 PM for their THINK PINK match against Bucks County Community College! There's no charge to attend the game but any donations received will support Breast Cancer research! #BreastCancerAwareness #ThinkPinkMatch #GoTrojans ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2152310835958789939_487630402 Scuba prepared last night for their weekend trip to become PADI Certified.

Scuba prepared last night for their weekend trip to become PADI Certified. ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2151671582757484907_487630402 #TBT to our 2019 Plebe Crucible! #Crucible2019 #VFforThee . . . To view the full video, visit our YouTube Channel @VFMACOfficial

#TBT to our 2019 Plebe Crucible! #Crucible2019 #VFforThee
.
.
.
To view the full video, visit our YouTube Channel @VFMACOfficial ...

Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 2151008306956481866_487630402 College cadets enjoying the cooler weather on a pleasant Wednesday. 🍃🍎

College cadets enjoying the cooler weather on a pleasant Wednesday. 🍃🍎 ...

Meetings

The Board of Trustees meets four times a year. During intervals between meetings of the Board, the Executive Committee meets. Currently the Executive Committee meets four times a year.

Click here to view the Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation By-Laws.

 

2019-20 Members

  • Mr. Robert A. Bacine, Esq., ’60  
    Mr. Robert A. Bacine, Esq., ’60  
  • Mr. Jim Davis ’78
    Mr. Jim Davis ’78
  • BG Carol Eggert, USA (Ret.)
    BG Carol Eggert, USA (Ret.)
  • Mr. William E. Floyd, Jr. ’63
    Mr. William E. Floyd, Jr. ’63
  • Mr. Frank Guthridge
    Mr. Frank Guthridge
  • Mrs. Nan Hood ’16HC
    Mrs. Nan Hood ’16HC
    Chair, Valley Forge Military College Oversight Committee
  • Mr. John English ’91
    Mr. John English ’91
    Chairman of the VFMAC Board of Trustees
  • Dr. Christine Anne Royce
    Dr. Christine Anne Royce
  • Mr. Anthony (Tony) McIntyre
    Mr. Anthony (Tony) McIntyre
  • Mr. J. Kent McNew ’61C
    Mr. J. Kent McNew ’61C
  • Mr. Conrad E. Muhly, IV ’73
    Mr. Conrad E. Muhly, IV ’73
  • Mr. Daniel J. Reavy ’77/’09HC
    Mr. Daniel J. Reavy ’77/’09HC
  • Mr. Christopher Roussos ’18HC
    Mr. Christopher Roussos ’18HC
  • Mr. George H. Schildge ’56
    Mr. George H. Schildge ’56
  • Mrs. Audrey Spangenberg
    Mrs. Audrey Spangenberg
  • Mr. Jonathan Tratt ’76
    Mr. Jonathan Tratt ’76
  • Mr. Joseph A. Bartasius ’81, ‘83C, Colonel, USA (Ret.)
    Mr. Joseph A. Bartasius ’81, ‘83C, Colonel, USA (Ret.)

Honorary Life Trustees

Mr. N. Gino Banco ’63CMr. Robert E. Porter, Esq. ’84H
Mr. Niles Dally ’63Captain N.F. (Red) Stein, USN (Ret) ’47
Col James J. Doyle, USMC (Ret.)Mr. W. Thomas Sykes ’50
Mr. Howard A. Forster ’48Mr. William R. Tiefel ’52
Mr. Michael A. Nolen ’66
Mr. Robert A. Bacine, Esq., ’60  

Attorney, Friedman Schuman, P.C.; Former Founding Partner/Attorney, Flamm, Boroff & Bacine, P.C. of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Past President, Montgomery County Estate Planning Council; Past Chairman, Montgomery County Law Reporter Committee; Co-Founder and Past Chairman, Probate and Tax Section, Montgomery Bar Association; Trustee, Montgomery Bar Foundation; Member, Whitemarsh Township Zoning Hearing Board; New York University Graduate School of Law, L.L.M. in Taxation (1969); Villanova University, School of Law, J.D. Degree (1967); Drexel University, B.S., Accounting (1964); Past President and Past Chairman, Alumni Association, VFMAC.

Mr. Jim Davis ’78
BG Carol Eggert, USA (Ret.)
Mr. William E. Floyd, Jr. ’63

Chairman Emeritus, Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation. Mr. Floyd is also a 1963 graduate of the Academy.  During his tenure at Valley Forge, he oversaw the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approval of Senate Bill 560, legislation introduced by Senator Mensch, creating a new program for legislative appointments to Valley Forge Military College; the designation of the College as “The Military College of Pennsylvania;” and the successful integration of women into the Corps of Cadets at the College.

Mr. Floyd is the retired Chairman and CEO of Physiotherapy Associates, the largest provider of outpatient rehab services in the U.S.  Prior to Physiotherapy, he was Chairman, President and CEO of Beverly Enterprises, Inc., a leading provider of eldercare services in the U.S. with $2.2 Billion in revenue.  Prior to Beverly, Mr. Floyd held leadership positions as CEO and President of Choice Hotels International, the largest franchiser of hotels in the world, as well as Chief Operating Officer of Taco Bell and KFC, both of which were part of PepsiCo’s Restaurant Division.

Mr. Floyd holds a B.A. Degree in American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania (1967) and an MBA Degree from the Wharton School (1969).  After graduation from Wharton, he served as an officer in the Fifth Infantry Division (U.S. Army) from 1970-72.

In addition to being the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Valley Forge Military Academy & College, Mr. Floyd is the former Chairman of the Board of Buffet Holdings, Inc., a multi-million family dining restaurant concept. He is also on the Board of Korn-Ferry, the world’s largest executive search and talent consulting firm, El Pollo Loco Restaurants, a $600 million flame-grilled chicken restaurant chain, Pivot, an Outpatient Physical Therapy company, and Muzinich Capital LLC.

Mr. Floyd is also a member of the Board of Overseers of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Mr. Floyd is a member of the Union League of Philadelphia and is a past board member of Philadelphia Outward Bound.

Mr. Frank Guthridge
Mrs. Nan Hood ’16HC
Chair, Valley Forge Military College Oversight Committee
Mr. John English ’91
Chairman of the VFMAC Board of Trustees

John English is the Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Consulting which he founded in 2009. Mr. English manages and oversees all operations regarding government and commercial clients across several different fields. Prior to founding Heartland, Mr. English worked for the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs from 2005-2009. He was involved in the implementation of the new Chapter 33 G.I. Bill and instrumental in the development of senior management review and processes to implement an integrated operating model for all Departmental functions and programs. He assisted the three Secretaries he served, with organizational and transformational management, as well as strategic communications as it pertained to the Department’s major initiatives.

Mr. English has also served in government at the state level. His service to Oklahoma began when he joined the administration of Governor Frank Keating in 1998, where he worked alongside the governor in promoting a pro-growth economic agenda for the state. In 1991, Mr. English joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1996. He graduated from the Valley Forge Military Academy and College and currently serves as the Chairman on their Board of Trustees. He earned an undergraduate degree from The University of Oklahoma and an MBA from The George Washington University. In 2014, Mr. English continued his support and devotion to veterans through the creation of the John L. English scholarship at The George Washington University School of Business. This scholarship was created specifically for former U.S. Marines to attend the GWU school of business in either graduate or undergraduate studies.

Currently, Mr. English serves as the Chairman of the VFMAC Board of Trustees.

Dr. Christine Anne Royce

Dr. Christine Anne Royce is currently a professor in the teacher education department and co-director for the MAT in STEM Education program at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania having joined the faculty in 2002. In her current position, Royce—who served three consecutive terms as the chair of the teacher education department—teaches classes in science education, assessment, curricular planning and research design at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and implemented a new online teaching certification program which prepares educators to teach in blended or online environments. Royce has been a passionate educator and dedicated leader in the science education community for more than 25 years. She brings with her experience working at the elementary, middle, and secondary school level in both public and private schools having taught science, math, and serving in administrative roles. She holds instructional and administrative certificates in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia.

External to her position at Shippensburg, Dr. Christine Anne Royce is the retiring president of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) having completed her term as 2018-2019 President. Her involvement with NSTA has been extensive having been elected to the NSTA board as director of professional development (2009-2012) and prior to that serving in the role of district IV director (2006-2009).  She is the column author for Teaching Through Trade Books which appears in Science and Children and has authored multiple books. In addition to her work and commitment to NSTA, Royce is extremely active with other state and national organizations and STEM initiatives. She was the PSTA Exchange editor, executive secretary, and twice served as the president of the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association. Royce has also served as the treasurer for the National Science Education Leadership Association, and was an NSF panel judge and chair for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching.

She was invited to serve on the Academy Oversight Committee in July 2018 and joins the BOT having had experience working at Valley Forge Military Academy from 1988 through 1992.  She served as an Assistant Camp Commandant for the summer camp program.  Additionally, she worked in the Senior ROTC Department for nearly two years as an Administration and Operations Specialist.

During her distinguished career, Royce has received a number of awards and honors. Her accomplishments include receiving NSTA’s Fellow Award (2016), UPCEA Excellence in Teaching Award (2016), Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators’ Teacher Educator of the Year Award (2010), National Association of Geoscience Teachers’ Outstanding Earth Science Teacher – Eastern Region (2003), and the Woodrow Wilson National Memorial Fellowship (2000). Royce was also named a 1997 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science Teaching. Her academic preparation includes a B.S. degree in elementary education from Cabrini College, a M.A. degree in curriculum and instruction from Delaware State University, a M.S. degree in school administration and supervision from the University of Scranton, a M.B.A. from Shippensburg University, and an Ed.D. in curriculum, instruction and technology education from Temple University.

Mr. Anthony (Tony) McIntyre
Mr. J. Kent McNew ’61C

Current CEO and Owner, Coastal Heating and Air Conditioning Co., Inc. and Southbound Corporation.  Mr. McNew worked for Hess Oil & Chemical for four years.  In 1969, he formed Eastern Petroleum Corporation, a home heating oil and diesel fuel marketer.  In 1999, the heating oil and diesel business was sold and Mr. McNew entered the gasoline market business serving some 80 locations.  Mr. McNew sold the gasoline business in 2010.

Current Board of Trustee member and former Board of Visitor member of VFMA&C. Current Board of Trustee member at Anne Arundel Health Systems Inc.. Past Trustee of Foundation Board at Anne Arundel Health System. Past Board Member, Associated Builders and Contractors.  Founding Director at The Annapolis National Bank, and current member Board of Directors, The South River Federation.

Mr. McNew has lived in the Annapolis area his entire life with the South River and Chesapeake Bay being a big part of his life.

Mr. Conrad E. Muhly, IV ’73

CEO, Terra Technical Services, LLC and Terra Railroad Services, LLC, West Chester, Pennsylvania.  President, Chester County SPCA Board of Directors; Member, Associated Builders and Contractors, National; Association of Demolition Contractors; VFMA&C Alumni Association Board of Directors (1989-98).  VFMA&C Chairman, Alumni Association (1996-97); VFMA&C President, Alumni Association (1995-96); VFMA&C Board of Visitors (1991-93); VFMA&C Golden Sword Society Chairman (1997-98).

Mr. Daniel J. Reavy ’77/’09HC

Daniel J. Reavy recently completed a distinguished (38) year career at Verizon Communications. As director of State Government Affairs, Dan was responsible for all community, public and government affairs, brand and reputation management and stakeholder relations throughout Eastern and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Dan began his career with Bell of Pennsylvania in 1977 in Public and Operator Services. He later worked in Outside Facilities Engineering and Accounting. In 1988, Dan joined Bell Atlantic’s Marketing organization as a communications consultant. During his tenure in Marketing, Dan twice achieved the organization’s “Gold Club” award, its highest recognition for outstanding performance in sales and customer service.

An active member of his community and known for his strong leadership and communication skills as well as his can do attitude, Dan has been recognized for his efforts in support of numerous causes. In 2014, Dan was presented with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s “Excellence in Foundation Community Service,” award. In 2012, Dan was presented with the Valley Forge Military Academy & College’s “Distinguished Alumnus award”. In 2011, Dan was awarded an Mid –Atlantic Emmy for his role as co-executive producer for the award winning anti-texting and driving video “Not Behind the Wheel” as well as presented with the Weller Health Education Center “Outstanding Friend to Kids” award. In 2010, the Lower Bucks Family YMCA honored Dan with its “Community Partner Distinguished Service” award. In 2008, Dan was presented with the TMA Bucks “Service” award. In 2006, Dan was presented with the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal’s “Spotlight” award. In 2004, Dan was presented with the North Penn Valley Boys & Girls Club’s “Friendship” award and received the most prestigious honor awarded by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the “2004 Outstanding Citizen Award”. In 2003, Dan was presented with the St. Luke’s Hospital “Shining Star” award. In 2001, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce honored Dan with its “Community Partner Distinguished Service” award and GVF Transportation presented Dan with its “Private Sector” award. In 2000, Dan was presented with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce’s “Humanitarian of the Year,” award. In 1999, the King of Prussia Chamber of Commerce presented him with its “Herbert Middleton Award for Excellence in Community Service”.

Dan is a Trustee of Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation and Abington Jefferson Health Foundation. Dan serves as a board member for the following organizations: the Hatfield Township Civil Service Commission (Chairman); Penn Suburban Chamber of Commerce (Chairman); Abington Hospital – Lansdale Business Advisory Council and the Pearl S. Buck International Advisory Council. Previously, he was a board member of the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board (Chairman); Pennsylvania Chapter of the March of Dimes; GVF Transportation; Allentown Economic Development Corporation; Lehigh Valley Business Education Partnership; Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation; Lehigh Valley Industrial Park; Manufacturers Resource Center; Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce; Montgomery County Community College Foundation; Montgomery County Industrial Development Corporation; Montgomery County Citizen’s Advisory Council; the Bucks County Economic Development Corporation; Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce; Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; School Works! of Bucks County and the Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Dan is a graduate of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Wayne, Pennsylvania. He has also completed several professional development programs including the Bell Atlantic Leadership Challenge Development Program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Verizon Leadership Excellence Program and the Verizon Development and Leadership Initiative.

Dan resides in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Celene, and their children, Andrew and Danielle.

Mr. Christopher Roussos ’18HC

Chris Roussos is CEO of 24 Hour Fitness and a member of its Board of Directors. He assumed the role in May 2017. As CEO, Chris leads an Executive Leadership Team focused on changing lives through fitness and growing the company.

Chris’s professional experience spans 30 years, with the past 15 years spent in senior executive roles in fast-growth, multi-unit companies. Prior to joining 24 Hour Fitness, he served as President and CEO of Epic Health Services, a leading pediatric home healthcare provider. Under his leadership, the company experienced unprecedented growth and was subsequently acquired by Bain Capital in 2017. In 2016, he was named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for his extraordinary success. He also previously served as Chairman, President and CEO of Orthodontic Centers of America, formerly a $1.6B publically traded company, COO of Harden Healthcare, and President with Beverly Enterprises, a $2.1B healthcare services company. His early career included various management positons with PepsiCo and Rubbermaid, as well as 11 years in the U.S. Army.

Chris’s proven track record of success stems from his focus on building strong teams and focused company cultures where everyone understands their role and the desired objectives. A fitness fanatic who has climbed Mt. Rainer three times and hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim many times over, Chris is an endurance athlete who enjoys biking, running, rowing and swimming.

Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Clarkson University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Mr. George H. Schildge ’56

Chairman/Owner CRP Industries Inc. (Importer/distributor of automotive and industrial products), Cranbury, NJ; Chairman Precision Roll Grinders; board member Transmares Corp., Charleston, SC; member Metropolitan Club, NYC and Navesink Country Club, Middletown, NJ; Served two years as an officer in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany; Bachelor of Engineering Cornell University (1960); studied 1 year at Hannover Institute of Technology in Germany.

Mrs. Audrey Spangenberg
Mr. Jonathan Tratt ’76

Founder/Managing Principal of Tratt Properties LLC, a Phoenix based commercial real estate development/investment firm for the past 23 years.  He is regarded for his distinguished expertise in real estate development, acquisition and property management services for logistics and e-commerce properties.  This includes site selection, ground up construction, and warehousing and distribution operations.

Jonathan brings over 30 years of real estate experience to the leadership of Tratt Properties LLC.  His early experience as an industrial broker with Iliff Thorn and Daum Commercial Real Estate Services prepared him to start Industrial Brokerage, Inc. in 1992 before broadening his scope to development and investment as Tratt Properties, LLC in 2000.

Jonathan holds a Master of Business Administration in International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and A Bachelor of Science from the University of Dayton.  He serves on the Board of Trustees for Valley Forge Military Academy & College in Wayne, PA.  In addition, he is an active Board member for the National Association of Commercial Real Estate Development Industry’s NAIOP.  He serves on its Executive Committee, is a Governor of the NAIOP Research Foundation, and is Vice-Chairman, Trustee of the NAIOP-PAC.  By way of his expertise and leadership, Jonathan also served as the Chair of the Industrial Development II National Forum of NAIOP.  Jonathan is a long-standing local sponsor and Developer Association Member of SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors).

Jonathan contributes to community service and charitable organizations across the country.  This broad range of philanthropic activities includes numerous Jewish and religious organizations, as well as academic institutions, and professional associations.  In addition, Tratt Properties, LLC focuses contributions in the local markets where they own and operate properties to further the commitment to meaningful service.

Mr. Joseph A. Bartasius ’81, ‘83C, Colonel, USA (Ret.)

Mr. Bartasius is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Soaring Eagle Solutions, LLC  a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. He previously served as Senior Managing Director for L-3 Communications, Inc.

Over the course of his 30-year career in the Army and Army Reserve, Mr. Bartasius served in a variety of command and staff positions in airborne, light, special operations, Joint Commands and training units serving in Southwest Asia (Iraq and Afghanistan), the Republic of Germany and the United States. Having risen to the rank of Colonel, his Senior Officer assignments began as Senior Military Advisor/Military Transition Team of the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT), Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I) in October 2004.  He assumed duties as the Chief, Civil Affairs Plans, 358th Civil Affairs Brigade in January 2006.  From July 2006 to December 2007, Mr. Bartasius was assigned as the Brigade Commander, 1st Brigade, 98th Division (Institutional Training). In January 2008, he assumed command of a detachment, J2/JT, Army Reserve Element, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida and served as a Senior Chief, Observer, Controller and Trainer of the 75th Division (Battle Command Training Division) to February  2010.  In March of 2010, he served as the Director, Region II (NJ, NY, PR, VI), Emergency Preparedness Office (NORTHCOM) in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Honorably, his last assignment before retiring in September 2013, he was assigned at the United States Military Academy, West Point as a Military Academy Liaison Officer representing the State of New Jersey, in collaboration with the NJ representatives and their staffs of the US House of Representatives.

A graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Class of 81 and 83C, where he obtained an Associate degree in Business, and held the cadet rank of 1st Captain, Regimental Commander.  Following graduation from the academy, Mr. Bartasius was commissioned through the ROTC program as an Infantry officer.  He holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Cabrini University, with Cum Laude honors for academic excellence and attended University of Pennsylvania for his graduate work in Organization Management.  Mr. Bartasius currently serves as the Chairman of the Valley Forge Military Academy and College, Alumni Board of Directors.  Additionally, he serves as a Trustee of the Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation.

He is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America and Association of the United States Army.

Mr. Bartasius was a 2016 Inductee in the United States Army, Reserve Officer’s Training Corp. (ROTC), Hall of Fame.

Calendar
Parents
Inquire