EMPLOYING U.S. VETS
CONFERENCE
APRIL 13, 2023 | NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB
(IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL HYBRID EVENT)
APRIL 13, 2023 | HYBRID
Employing U.S. VETS Conference
Hosted by VETS Indexes, this semi-annual conference includes discussions of best practices and challenges related to veteran employment, recognition of companies going above and beyond for vets and their families, and lots of opportunities to network. The Employing U.S Vets conference is designed to offer attendees actionable tools and information to establish and build upon veteran initiatives. It also provides a great opportunity to network with peers from leading companies, non-profits, government agencies, and others seeking to employ veterans.
MEET OUR SPRING KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Dr. Yashika Neaves, Department of Defense, Military-Civilian Transition Office
We are excited to announce that Dr. Yashika Neaves, from the Department of Defense Military-Civilian Transition Office, will give the morning keynote address!
— MORE ABOUT DR. NEAVES —
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE
EMPLOYING U.S. VETS CONFERENCE?
This is a significant opportunity for organizations looking to hire qualified and hard-working employees and has become an integral segment of the Human Capital portion of the Social pillar within Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG). But to take advantage, companies need to know their stuff.
Our experts explore cutting-edge topics such as: Successful Veteran Hiring, New Careers Post-Service, Creating a Strong Veteran Culture, Retaining Veterans, Team-building and Leadership Skills of Veterans, Veterans’ Technical Skills, Supporting Employees in the National Guard or Reserves, Military Spouse and Family Support, and more.
This one-day, semi-annual event features dynamic speakers and panel discussions with nationally recognized employers distinguished for strong track records in veterans’ employment. It also gives other companies and organizations the opportunity to learn from their successes. Networking is key at this conference.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Corporate, Non-Profit, Government Agency and other employment professionals including Human Resource Executives, Diversity and Inclusion Team Members, Members of Military Veteran Networks, Employee Resource Groups, Corporate Communication Teams, Public Relations, Investor Relations Officers and Military Veteran Initiative Teams. The ESG Community including Asset Managers and Asset Owners such as Public & Private Pensions, Insurance Companies, Endowments, Foundations & Family Offices.
CONFERENCE SPONSORS AND FRIENDS
Keynote Speaker:
YASHIKA D. NEAVES, Ph.D.
Chief, Strategic Plans & Initiatives
Department of Defense, Military-Civilian Transition Office
Dr. Yashika D. Neaves leads strategic plans and initiatives for the Department of Defense Military-Civilian Transition Office, under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Her portfolio spans public and private stakeholder engagements; strategic communications; interagency policy and partnerships; public affairs and organizational development related to military pre-separation counseling, psychosocial prevention/interventions, career transition, and reintegration for active and Reserve Components. She is responsible for maturing evidence-based programmatic strategies, operations, and organizational structure utilizing technical authority and subject-matter expertise to resolve operational gaps in the DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP).
Yashikia D. Neaves - Chief, Strategic Plans & Initiatives | Department of Defense, Military-Civilian Transition Office
Dr. Neaves spearheads inter-service and interagency federal, state, and local government collaborations and initiatives. She has oversight of joint-effort implementations in support of 200K annual transitioning Service members worldwide, and their families. She serves as the DoD Ex-Officio for the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans (ACHV); the Department of Labor Advisory Committee on Veterans’ Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach (ACVETEO); as well as a number of other interagency governance bodies to leverage stakeholder initiatives, mitigate transition-related challenges for future Veterans, and maximize interagency partner collaborations.
Dr. Neaves’ prior experience crosses academia, public and private sectors. She previously served as a community-based Independent Consultant for eight years; Behavioral Science adjunct professor with the University of Valley Forge for three years, and a Defense contractor for four years. Her 10+ year federal career includes contribution in the Defense Human Resources Activity, Department of the Army Continuing Education System, Department of the Army Installation Management Command, DoD Education Activity, and the DOL Veterans’ Employment & Training Service.
Dr. Neaves holds a Doctorate in Counseling Education and Supervision from Regent University, a Master of Education in Counseling, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern State University. Her efforts to eliminate transition-to-civilian barriers and improve Veteran community integration has been presented in conference with the American Mental Health Counselors Association, and featured in the AMHCA 2018 and 2019 Advocate Magazine. Her work on “Career Counseling and the Military” was published in 2018 by Cognella, with a 2nd edition slated for publication. She is a disabled Veteran, spouse of a retired Service member, daughter of a retired Army officer, and proud mother of two sons, with her eldest currently attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
(Speaker roster increases daily – check back often!)
GEORGE ALTMAN
Managing Director
VETS Indexes
George Altman, Managing Director | VETS Indexes
George Altman is a Managing Director of VETS Indexes where he leads the firm’s proprietary survey, ranking and recognition programs.
Prior to VETS Indexes and for the past 8 years, George led the Best for Vets series of rankings at Military Times, including Best for Vets: Employers and Best for Vets: Colleges, overseeing all aspects of the process, from survey design to response evaluation to preparing the results for publication.
George worked for 14 years as a journalist, specializing in data projects, veterans’ issues and the federal and state government. George was the Editor for Special Projects at Military Times, where he oversaw the organization’s coverage of veteran employment, education and transition out of the military.
George has appeared on cable news and worked extensively in front of the camera, conducting interviews, producing video content, and making TV and radio guest appearances. He has spoken about veterans’ issues at the Employing U.S. Vets Conference, the Council of College and Military Educators, and the Service Members of the Year Awards.
George lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Carrie, daughter Zoe and Moe, his cat.
NICHOLAS ANTAKI
Director of Marketing
Managing Director
VETS Indexes
Nicholas Antaki, Director of Marketing, Managing Director | VETS Indexes
Nicholas Antaki serves as the Director of Marketing for VETS Indexes where he is charged with promoting the strategic vision and value proposition of the firm. Nick leads the marketing team with a laser focus on executing upon the overall marketing and branding initiatives throughout the many marketplaces in which the firm endeavors. Mr. Antaki joined VETS Indexes in July of 2017 and brings this role seasoned leadership supported by a track record of success.
Nick began his professional career on Wall Street and most recently served as a management consultant to small and growing businesses with a niche focus on market-research firms. Previously, Nick served as the Business Development Manager for a California-based health products company and in a variety of financial services roles with Bernstein Global Wealth Management, Merrill Lynch and Citigroup.
Nicholas acquired both his B.S in Finance and MBA in International Business with honors from The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University. He serves on the Board of Directors and as an Executive Officer of the Tobin Alumni Association is involved with more than a dozen philanthropic organizations. Nicholas also maintains several ministries at his Church and is active in his community. He is passionate about Impact Investing, Microfinance, Philanthropic Finance, Venture Philanthropy, Social Entrepreneurship and all innovative forms of using the power of business for good while doing well at the same time.
ED CARR
Sr. Director Military & Veteran Affairs
Comcast NBCUniversal
Ed Carr Sr. Director Military & Veteran Affairs | Comcast NBCUniversal
Ed’s military career spanned 23 years in the active-duty Army, as a combat medic and a medical recruiter.
BLAIR CICCOCIOPPO
Senior Specialty Recruiter-Case Management
Select Medical
Blair Ciccocioppo - Senior Specialty Recruiter-Case Management | Select Medical
Blair is also a veteran mentor with American Corporate Partner since 2019; participates in a departmental Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recruitment Task Force and leads a “Vets in Tech” peer group for the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania.
LIDA CITROËN
CEO and Founder
LIDA360, LLC
Lida Citroën - CEO and Founder | LIDA360, LLC
As a professional keynote speaker and presenter, Lida’s popular TEDx Talk, Talks at Google presentation, and numerous courses on LinkedIn Learning showcase her empowering coaching style and message. She teaches professionals to take control of their narrative and build a personal brand that supports their business. A writer for Entrepreneur.com , Military.com, and SWAAY.com Lida has authored countless articles and is featured in the media for her work, including Time Magazine, MSNBC, Fortune Magazine, Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur.com, Military.com, Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, US News & World Report, HR News, US Weekly, Investment News, Money Watch, HuffPost, Monster.com, and more.
Lida has authored five award-winning books:
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- Reputation 360: Jumpstart your career by building a positive personal brand
- Control the Narrative: The Executive’s Guide to Building, Pivoting and Repairing Your Reputation
- Success After Service: How to take control of your job search and career after military duty
- Your Next Mission: A personal branding
- guide for the military-to-civilian transition
- Engaging with Veteran Talent: A quick and practical guide to sourcing, hiring, onboarding and developing Veteran employees
- A passionate supporter of the military community, since 2009 Lida has volunteered her time to help veterans transitioning to civilian careers and assist employers who seek to hire military talent. Her work with veterans comes from gratitude for their sacrifice.
JESSE GEMBERLING-JOHNSON
Dir. Talent Recruitment and Development
mcfa
Jesse Gemberling-Johnson - Director of Talent Recruitment and Development | mcfa
DAN GOLDENBERG
VP and Executive Dir.
Call of Duty Endowment
Capt. Dan Goldenberg, Executive Dir. and VP | Call of Duty Endowment
MAURICIO GRANT
District Manager
United Rentals
Mauricio Grant - District Manager | United Rentals
An inspirational, forward-thinking, and highly collaborative leader, Mauricio is passionate about leveraging his global business experience and acumen in P&L management, general and multi-site management, and strategic planning to align results with organizational goals.
Currently a District Manager at United Rentals, Mauricio was promoted in January of 2019 to lead the Arizona Central District, managing P&L for a $300 million budget and leading a team of 167 reports.
Prior to joining United Rentals in 2016, Mauricio was the Director of Sales Operations for the Western Division at ComRent Load Bank Solutions, where he oversaw over $30 million in assets, including a $22.6 million operating budget and a $10 million acquisitions budget for domestic and international locations.
Mauricio attributes much of his success to the foundation he gained investing in his professional development during his tenure at United Rentals. It was at this time, he went back to school to successfully pursue his MBA from West Texas A&M and worked with a professional coach to get clarity on his purpose at work, learn how to network, and gain momentum in turning his professional aspirations into realities.
When Mauricio is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children, and reading books related to business, sales, and marketing.
JEFF HARLEY, PhD
Director, Military Engagement
Western Governors University
Jeff Harley - Director of Military Engagement | Western Governors University (WGU)
Harley previously served in the United States Navy for more than three decades retiring as a Rear Admiral Upper Half. He commanded numerous ships and aircraft squadrons including a Strike Group stationed in Japan. While serving as commanding officer of USS MILIUS (DDG-69), Harley participated in combat operations during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and was awarded a Bronze Star which he accepted on behalf of his crew. Ashore, he served in numerous assignments including director of the White House Situation Room and president of the U.S. Naval War College.
Harley holds a PhD from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. He also has a masters degree from the U.S. Naval War College and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, as well as a bachelors degree from the University of Minnesota.
JAMES HENDON
Commissioner
NYC Department of Veterans’ Services
James Hendon, Commissioner | New York City Department of Veterans’ Services
A Veteran entrepreneur himself, James is also the CEO of the Energy Economic Development Corporation, an organization that helps communities and small businesses take advantage of energy-related advancements. Prior to that, James served as the COO for BlocPower, a Department of Energy-sponsored company that helps nonprofits, small businesses, and faith centers perform energy efficiency retrofits. He previously worked as an Associate in the Real Estate Investment Banking Group at Deutsche Bank.
Before entering the civilian workforce, James spent seven years in the US Army as an Active Duty Infantry Officer where he deployed as a Mortar Platoon Leader and Battalion Public Affairs Officer to Iraq (2005), worked as an Admissions Officer for West Point (2006-2007), and served as the Senior Advisor to the Afghan Border Police in Afghanistan (2007-2009).
James is a 2002 graduate of West Point, a 2012 graduate of Harvard Kennedy School and Columbia Business School, and a 2015 graduate of the Earth Institute’s Program in Conservation and Environmental Sustainability.
James serves on the board for the Council of Urban Professionals’ Fellows Program; he himself was named a CUP Fellow in 2014. James has volunteered as a mentor for the Eagle Academy for Young Men in the Bronx since 2014. As a drilling US Army Reservist, James, a Lieutenant Colonel, serves as an Innovation Officer within the 75th Innovation Command.
James and his wife Christine have two young children—Grace and David.
JOHN LEES
Sr. Manager, Talent Acquisition & Outreach
Serco
John Lees, Sr Manager, Talent Acquisition & Outreach, Human Resources | Serco
Within his position at Serco, John is responsible for building partnerships with Veteran organizations, military resources, diversity organizations, external sourcing vendors, and colleges and universities with the goal of identifying and attracting highly qualified candidates.
STEVE LEWIS
Division President
GXO Logistics, Inc.
Steve Lewis - Division President | GXO Logistics
JIM LORRAINE
President and CEO
America’s Warrior Partnership
Jim Lorraine, Lt Col, USAF, Retired - President and CEO | America's Warrior Partnership
Upon military retirement, Mr. Lorraine became a civil servant and founding Director of the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition. This warrior (military and veteran) advocacy organization recognized by Congress, the White House, and the Department of Defense as the federal government gold standard for serving over 8,000 special operations forces and their families. During his leadership of the Care Coalition, Jim concurrently served as Special Assistant the the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Warrior and Family Support.
Following government service, Jim became the founding President of America’s Warrior Partnership. America’s Warrior Partnership supports affiliated communities throughout the United States intending to improve the quality of life for Warriors, their families, and their communities. Since beginning initial community work in June 2011, these efforts have had a positive impact on over 60,000 warriors with communities reducing homelessness, attaining 90% completion rates of those using the GI Bill, deeply reducing unemployment, and improving access to earned services as well as helping thousands of warriors who are successfully transitioning to civilian life find purpose after military service.
In addition to his degree from Syracuse University, Mr. Lorraine holds a Master’s degree in Cyber Management from Webster University. He is a 2015 Presidential Leadership Scholar and serves on behalf of the Governor as a Trustee for the South Carolina Veteran’s Trust Fund. Additionally, Jim is a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee for Disability Compensation and the Department of Labor’s Federal Advisory Committee on Veteran Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach. Jim has testified to both the United States House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees regarding the future and potential of veterans programs. Additionally, he is an advisory board member for the Ranger Lead the Way Fund and the Lone Survivor Foundation.
His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Secretary of Defense Outstanding Civilian Medal, and the United States Special Operations Command Medal.
MARCUS OHLENFORST
Lead Military Talent Strategist
USAA
Marcus “OHLEY” Ohlenforst, Lead Military Talent Strategist, HR Chief of Staff Office | USAA
In 2022, Ohley was selected as the GI Jobs Veteran Champion of the Year in Corporate America due to the extraordinary amount of effort that he exerts to inspire, educate, and advocate for the military community. This list recognized 30 veterans that exemplified determination, teamwork, advocacy of military hiring initiatives, devotion to mentorship, and servant leadership in their organizations and respective communities.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Azusa University.
SETH PETERSON
Corporate Citizenship Manager, Military & Veteran Affairs
Fiserv
Seth Peterson, Corporate Citizenship Manager for Military and Veteran Affairs | Fiserv
Before working with Fiserv, he served in the United States Army as a Civil Affairs Team Sergeant and Strategic Readiness Supervisor with 1st Special Forces Command. There, he had the honor of working alongside U.S. and foreign government agencies to solve issues affecting vulnerable communities in southeast Asia. His experiences abroad in the military now drive him to collaborate with organizations and colleagues on veteran programs.
Seth is completing his BPS in Technology Management and PMP certification before pursuing his MS in Human Resource Management with an Emphasis in Diversity and Technology.
Seth is married to his wife Alicia, with whom he has two children.
Michael Quinn
Founder and CEO
HireMilitary
Michael Quinn, Founder and CEO | HireMilitary
Upon retirement from the U.S. Army in 2017, Michael quickly realized the overwhelming challenges Veterans faced entering the private sector workforce and resolved to make a difference. Through his interaction with industry leaders, posts on LinkedIn, workshops across military installations, personal mentoring, and advising military leaders on transition assistance initiatives, Michael is positively impacting the lives of thousands of Veterans.
As a 2x LinkedIn Top Voice with more than 350,000 followers, Michael’s daily posts on LinkedIn are intended to provide guidance, motivation, and wisdom that keep the military community “Always Moving Forward” to their next career goal. As the founder and CEO of HireMilitary, Michael is responsible for the overall vision of the company and its ecosystem of Veteran- focused brands.
In addition to his responsibility as CEO, Michael provides tailored training packages to multi- billion-dollar companies, small businesses, non-profits, and defense organizations to improve their social media marketing, outreach, and personal/professional branding. He is an official member of the Forbes Coaches Council and passionately teaches the power of LinkedIn to General/Flag Officers from all four branches of the service as a part of their service transition courses.
Prior to becoming the Founder and CEO of HireMilitary, Michael was a Senior Manager at Ernst & Young (EY) and other government consultant practices. Residing in Northern Virginia, Mike likes to stay active by going on adventures with his two children (Emi & Asher) and riding his bike.
Latoya Roberts
Vice President, Project Manager, Veteran Talent
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Latoya Roberts - Vice President, Project Manager, Veteran Talent | JPMorgan Chase & Co
Roberts is a New York University graduate. She is a Navy Reservist and serves as a
Senior Enlisted Leader.
She lives in New York with her husband and their two children
Kevin Schmiegel
Chief Executive Officer
ZeroMils
Kevin M. Schmiegel, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Ret.) - Chief Executive Officer | ZeroMils
Jeremy C. Strathmeyer
Vice President – Client Engagement
Greencastle Consulting
Jeremy C. Strathmeyer, Vice President – Client Engagement | Greencastle Consulting
BOBBY THOMPSON
Director of Construction
Caruso Homes
Bobby Thompson, Director of Construction | Caruso Homes
Bobby has over 20 years of leadership experience and utilizes his eclectic expertise to inspire the betterment of those in the following fields: Home Building, Operations Management, Customer Experience, Warranty Management, Construction Management, Project Management, Recruiting, Marketing, Event Coordinating, Sales, Presentation Delivering, Maintenance Management, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion and Keynote or Guest Speaking.
BRUCE TOWNSHEND
Chief, Employer Engagement
DOD | ESGR
Jeremy C. Strathmeyer, Vice President – Client Engagement | Greencastle Consulting
ANNE TRENKLE
Executive Director
NY Helmets to Hardhats
Anne Trenkle - Executive Director | New York Helmets to Hardhats
Anne’s initial undertaking was focused on developing innovative methods of incorporating the Helmets to Hardhats Program into apprenticeship programs throughout New York, including implementing direct entry for returning veterans as well as establishing a 20% veteran population in all participating NYS apprenticeship programs. In the Fall of 2013, Anne achieved a long time goal of establishing New York City Helmets to Hardhats, Inc., an independent 501c3 Labor-Management Initiative, dedicated to assisting the transition of a diverse NYC Veteran population into careers in the NYC union construction industry. Anne has since built a New York team to expand those services across the state of New York.
Anne is a native New Yorker, currently living in Rockland County, NY.
SPEAKER COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
(Speaker roster increases daily – check back often!)
