FALL 2020 HIGHLIGHTS
Our Fall, 2020 Conference was all virtual (for obvious reasons) and it was a huge success! We encouraged (and always do) feedback from everyone – from vendor, sponsor, speaker and attendee – and all of the comments were positive and lifting. We thank you for such a great event. Below are the highlights!
CONFERENCE PARTNERS
FEATURED FALL SPEAKERS
JAMES M. BEAMESDERFER
Vice President, Veterans Initiatives
Prudential Financial
James M. Beamesderfer
Beamesderfer joined Prudential in 1997. Prior to his current role, he was a director, Information Systems in Prudential’s Individual Life Insurance business where he supported Prudential Advisors technology functions such as Customer Relationship Management, marketing and financial planning, and provided cross-business support to Group Insurance Affinity Marketing.
Prior to joining Prudential, Beamesderfer was a captain in the U.S. Army, serving six years in Infantry units.
Beamesderfer has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. He also earned the Project Management Professional designation.
Beamesderfer is an active member of the Rutgers Business School Military and Veteran Advisory Board.
BRANDO BENEDIT
Fixed Income Product
Nasdaq
Brando Benedit
MICHAEL BIANCHI
Senior Director | Education & Career Training
IVMF
Michael Bianchi
He is a native of Waterloo, New York, where he enlisted in the Army in 1987 as an Infantryman – serving with the 101st Airborne, Fort Campbell, KY, and achieving the rank of Sergeant prior to entering the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Southern Illinois University.
In 1994, Mike was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Aviation Branch. Upon completion of flight school, he was assigned to Germany as a Blackhawk Platoon Leader; participating in numerous operations throughout Europe to include Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Returning from Germany, he served in various assignments throughout the US to include: Company Commander – 10th Aviation Brigade, Embedded Training Team Chief – 203rd Corps Afghan National Army in Afghanistan, Executive Officer – US Army Syracuse Recruiting Battalion, Professor of Military Science – Saint Bonaventure University, finally culminating 28 years of service as the Professor of Military Science at Syracuse University.
GERRY BORJA
Senior Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager
Oracle
Gerry Borja
Gerry Borja is a Senior Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager responsible for engagement initiatives with Communities, Interns and Veterans at Oracle. Prior to Oracle, Gerry grew up a proud US Navy brat and also served in the US Army. Gerry has worked at all levels in HR to include operations and management. He has worked for both large corporations and start-ups in the Silicon Valley (San Jose) and San Diego.
California-based Oracle is a global provider of enterprise cloud computing, with more than 430,000 customers and annual revenues greater than US$37.7 billion. Deployed across industries in more than 175 countries, Oracle technology empowers businesses of all sizes on their journey to digital transformation.
In addition to his HR program management responsibilities, through and for Oracle, Gerry is the primary Diversity & Inclusion liaison for veteran and military spouse engagement, internally and externally. He leads Oracle’s Veteran and Military Spouse Internship and Mentorship Programs, Veteran Impact Council and is a board member of the company’s Veteran Employee Resource Group. He has spoken and presented on Employer Panels at national conferences, Balboa Naval Medical Center, Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton, the Veterans Transition Assistance Programs and colleges and universities. He is also the primary lead for Diversity & Inclusion’s Community Action and Impact volunteerism events nationwide which provides Outreach and Inreach STEM career guidance and exploration to the under-served and under-represented youth population, backpack stuffing events in underserved neighborhoods and care package events for deployed troops. During the summers, he facilitates Oracle’s United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) Scholars Internship Program across various Oracle campuses.
Gerry was a scholarship cadet and Distinguished Military Graduate and received a B.S. degree. In addition to various military and civilian schools, He has completed numerous HR, Diversity and Recruiting related professional assessments and trainings.
CHUCK BUNCH
Military Affairs Relationship Director
USAA
Chuck Bunch
Employee Resource Group (ERG) for the enterprise.
Prior to joining USAA, Chuck served as the Pathfinder Program Site Manager for USO San Antonio. The USO Pathfinder Transition Program provides resources for a smooth transition from military to civilian life. The USO Pathfinder Transition Program brings together premier organizations to help transitioning military pursue meaningful careers and strengthen their families. While leading the Pathfinder program, Chuck’s leadership resulted in the successful design, development, launch, and execution of the USO Pathfinder transition program. His innovative and inclusive leadership approach was integral in fostering a robust community collaboration. Such that, his teams significantly amplified veteran and military family advocacy for Military City USA and helped showcase a community model that was emulated across the nation.
Chuck proudly served our country for 20 years in the USAF. During his military career in Aerospace Medical Service, he had the privilege of enhancing his leadership insight through various global work experiences. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. In 2013, he concluded his career in the USAF as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) and joined Red McCombs
Toyota.
During his tenure as the Director of Military Relations for Red McCombs Toyota, he pioneered the construction of the first ever fully operational Military Department in the San Antonio automotive industry. His impactful body of work in the community resulted in his appointment as the Chairman of the Military Affairs Council for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
Chuck holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayland Baptist University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Webster University. Chuck is married to his lovely wife Kriesti, and they enjoy spending time with their son, Jered. Jered is also attending the University of Texas at San Antonio.
SULTAN CAMP
Veterans & Military Spouse Programs
Newport News Shipbuilding
Sultan Camp
MERCEDES ELIAS
Head of Veteran Engagement
AmeriVet Securities
Mercedes Elias
Prior to joining AmeriVet, Mercedes was an active duty officer in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years. She is a combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and has served in numerous leadership positions both stateside and overseas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas and obtained her Advanced Business Certification from Columbia University.
LACEY GOLONKA
HR Inclusion & Diversity Consultant
Xcel Energy
Lacey Golonka
She came to Xcel Energy having served 16 years in the Army National Guard where she deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and twice to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom Sentinel.
As the Inclusion and Diversity Consultant for Xcel Energy, Ms. Lacey had increased veteran hires at the company to a 14% veteran hiring rate and maintains the CEO hiring goal of one in ten of new hires being veterans. For the year she has been the Veterans Consultant Xcel Energy has continued to be recognized frequently for best practices.
For the last 15 years, Lacey has worked to serve military service members and veterans having worked as a DoD contractor for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) to bring back remains of POW/MIAs, and as a Congressional Staffer for U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. She served as U.S. Senator Michael Bennet’s Veteran’s Constituent Advocate and Outreach Coordinator, where she addressed prominent issues in the veteran’s community.
Lacey continues to serve on the board for the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Arapahoe/Douglas County Workforce Economic Development board, and has been recently appointed as one of the directors for National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA).
Ms. Golonka is a born and raised in Hawaii. Her interests include surfing, hunting, and hiking.
RANDY GÓMEZ
Sr. Director of Admissions
Berkeley College
STEVEN HALL, Ph.D.
Director, Veterans & Military Affairs
City of Houston, Mayor’s Office
Steven Hall
In addition to having a wide-range of background experience in postsecondary education and workforce development, having served as senior administrator in Arizona, California and Texas college/university systems, over the previous 14 years, Dr. Hall has continued to advocate for and on behalf of Active Duty & Veteran populations, and the larger Military-Affiliated community – actively serving in the following capacities:
- [Past] Senior Advisor, California Advisory Council on Military Education,
- [Past] Senior Member, Council of College and Military Educators,
- [Past] Senior Member, Texas Veterans Commission – Texas Coordinating Council for Veterans Services (TCCVS) Workgroup,
- [Past] Co-Chair, Texas Veterans Commission – TCCVS Higher Education Workgroup,
- [Past] President, Council on Military Education in the South [Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, & Louisiana] – Postsecondary Education Consortium,
- [Current] Co-Chair, Texas Governor’s Challenge/Chair, Mayor’s Challenge: To Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families; and
- [Current] President, Centurion Military Alliance
He received both his B.S. Business, Applied Management and Masters Public Administration (MPA) in Government & Policy degrees from Grand Canyon University – Ken Blanchard College of Business and received his Ph. D. in Higher Education Leadership from Trident University International.
Serving as the City of Houston – Mayor’s Office, Director of Veterans & Military Affairs, Dr. Hall continues a rich tradition of public service as a key advocate for over the 300,000+ military-affiliated community – collaborating with community stakeholders, developing public/private partnerships, and engaging veteran support organizations to seek out, further develop, and champion viable solutions aimed at overcoming military-to-civilian sector transition-reintegration challenges addressing economic mobility, employment, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and improving the quality of life and social well-being for all.
JARED LYON
National President and CEO
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
Martin J. Laird
In this role, he is a global program leader, strategic partnerships manager, and thought leader on a portfolio of technology and capacity building offerings. These solutions are offered to citizens and community partners through IBM’s corporate social responsibility, including digital transformation strategy, tech to combat human trafficking, and a skills building initiatives to help veterans transition to civilian careers.
Martin has twenty years of experience in Industry and Non-profits, Data and Cloud technology, serving in roles in the fields of Corporate Affairs, Sales, Citizenship, Data and Cloud Technology and Media Relations. He attended University of Hartford, CT, and currently lives with his family in Brooklyn, NY.
JIM MORBACH
Vice President of Field and Government Recruiting
Werner Enterprises
Jim Morbach
Jim oversees new driver recruiting operations, veteran recruiting programs, the field recruiting team and the professional relationships and hiring initiatives for all military installations and over 500 truck driving schools nationwide. Jim is Werner’s Executive Sponsor for organizations such as the Commercial Vehicle Training Association and the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, which advocates for government-regulatory legislation that best represents safety and the next generation of professional truck drivers. Jim earned a master’s degree in business and is a two-time recipient of the Werner Humanitarian Award. He is married to his wife Kathy and together they have four children.
HARRIS MORRIS
Senior Director for Veterans Initiatives
ADP
Harris Morris
Harris served over 21 years in the United States Army, retiring in 2012 as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his time in the Army, Harris served in various command and operational roles as an Armor officer in South Korea, Germany, Bosnia, Macedonia, Iraq and numerous locations in the United States. His last assignment in the Army was serving as a staff member at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Harris holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, an MBA from Tarleton State University (Texas A&M System), and is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
ANDREW MORTON
Director, Veterans and Certification Affairs
SHRM
Andrew Morton
Andrew also serves as spokesman for SHRM Certification in support of SHRM’s Chief Knowledge Officer, Dr. Alex Alonso. Prior to his current role within SHRM, Andrew spent five years serving as SHRM’s Director of Social Engagement, leading SHRM’s social media program and team.
Before joining SHRM in 2014, Andrew worked with a leading PR firm managing Fortune 500 brand and advocacy campaigns. Andrew is a retired Army Infantry-Officer who served in multiple leadership and command positions as well as overseas and combat tours including deployments to Iraq, Bosnia, Macedonia and Egypt. During his 21-year Army career Andrew also served in multiple senior public affairs positions including Chief of Media Outreach for Multi-National Force-Iraq, Chief of Marketing and Advertising for the Army Reserve, and the Director of Digital and Social Media for the Army Reserve.
Andrew is passionate about efforts to foster awareness and resources in support of mental health and our workplace- across all employees. Most importantly, Andrew serves as “Working-Dad” to his three wonderfully-exhaustive kids at their home headquarters in Alexandria, VA.
JAMES A. PERDUTO
Senior Talent Acquisition and Diversity Executive
James A. Perduto
James is a former senior executive leading global talent acquisition and mobility programs at Fiserv. Prior to this, as the head of military and veteran affairs at First Data, his primary focus was military-affiliated talent sourcing and retention, as well as veteran small business engagement and supplier diversity. Both roles include the development and execution of strategies related to the CEO, Human Resources and Corporate Citizenship joint goals.
Under his leadership, the company’s primary diversity brand, First Data Salutes was named “No. 1 Best for Vets: Employer” by Military Times for three consecutive years.
Prior to joining First Data in 2014 James held a leadership role within the military and veteran affairs team at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he served as executive director and co-head of the 100,000 Jobs Mission, now the Veteran Jobs Mission. Prior to working at JPMorgan, James led business development and operations management positions in the transportation software industry and government service.
James received a master’s degree, with honors, in International Trade and Transportation Management and a bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation from New York Maritime College. Upon graduation, he commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and earned a license as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Captain Perduto is a twenty-eight-year veteran of the United States Navy, and currently serves as a leader within the Strategic Sealift Program based in Norfolk, VA. In 2008, he graduated from the senior leader, joint military education program at the United States Marine Corps University, Command Staff College.
James also serves as the national advisor to Fiserv’s Military Affinity Group, the Navy
League of the United States’ national vice president, and as an advisory council member
for the Veteran Jobs Mission. He was selected as a member of the New York Athletic
Club men’s lacrosse A-team for 6 seasons and has been an NYAC and American Legion
Post #754 member since 1995.
James resides in Garden City, NY with his wife and their son.
LUCIENNE PIPER
Program Coordinator for Women’s and Military Spouse Program
ACP
Lucienne Piper
Lucie is a native New Yorker and met her now-husband when they both attended the Professional Performing Arts High School in Manhattan. As a young adult, she worked as a stylist at the prestigious Mark Garrison Salon until her soon-to-be husband enlisted in the Marine Corps. After relocating to San Diego, she opted to return to school and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health & Wellness. She returned to work shortly after as a Program Director at Jenny Craig’s Corporate Office until her husband received orders to Cherry Point, North Carolina. There, she found a position as a Fitness Director where she worked until her husband separated from the Marine Corps after nearly 10 years of active duty service. During his tenure as an active duty Marine, Lucie was heavily involved in Family Readiness as both an Assistant and as an Advisor.
Following their transition home to NYC, Lucie completed an MSW program at Stony Brook University with a focus on Military Families and Veterans. Before joining ACP, she worked with veterans on Long Island in a rapid housing program supporting homeless veteran families and at the Northport VA Medical Center within Military Sexual Trauma-related services. She is a proud member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Workers, Veteran Spouse, and mother of 3.
CHRISTOPHER PLAMP
Sr Vice President, Operations, Programs, & Entertainment
USO
Christopher Plamp
When he first joined Hire Heroes USA, Christopher served as Director of Veteran Programs. He was promoted to Chief Programs Officer in 2015, Chief Operating Officer in 2017, and Chief Executive Officer in 2018. He holds a Master’s in Military Art and Science, and a Master’s in Strategic Studies. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy.
KARL SNYDER
Managing Dir. and Chief Market Strategist
VETS Indexes
Karl Snyder
Previously, Karl was the Chief Market Strategist of Garden State Securities where his primary responsibility involved directing managed portfolios for the Advisors and clients of the firm. Mr. Snyder began his financial services career as a Registered Investment Advisor with American Express Financial Advisors in 2000. Karl has worked for several boutique firms as a Registered Investment Advisor where he honed his study of technical analysis within capital markets.
Karl is a member of the Market Technicians Association and holds the Chartered Market Technician designation. In addition, he is a series 86/87 licensed research analyst. Mr. Snyder studied at Rutgers University and served in the United States Marine Corps with 5th Battalion 10th Marines 2nd Marine Division as a non-commissioned officer. While on active duty, Karl deployed with the 24th MEU for Operation Continue Hope in Somalia.
JAMES TONGATE
Vice President of Government Relations
BeneLynk
James Tongate
Most recently, James served as Marsh and McLennan Companies’ Senior HR Military Affairs Program Leader where he created, executed, led and cultivated an unprecedented diverse military veteran talent program. James strategically leveraged key stakeholders, human resource functions, technology, and processes relating to the design, implementation and integration of diverse human capital dogmas through business actions. He is considered a national subject matter expert in the veteran talent space through consult and engaging in several national panels/forums including the Veteran Jobs Mission, American Legion and at Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) sponsored events.
Prior to Marsh & McLennan Companies, James served at Humana for 17+ years as a successful business leader in various functions that include Product/Contract Compliance, Medicare Risk Adjustment, Medicare Sales Support and lastly as the Human Resource Program Leader for Humana’s Veteran & Military Spouse Hiring Program where he solidified the national award-winning program through sourcing, innovation, and implementation of outreach strategies recruiting National Guard, Reservists, Military Retirees, Wounded Warriors, Transitioning Veterans and Military Spouses. James’ efforts were crucial to Humana being recognized as a Top 100 Military Friendly® Employer in the US.
Currently, James also serves as a drill-status Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) in the KY Air National Guard as a senior leader and state Human Resource Advisor. Prior to this role, James was a C-130H Tactical Loadmaster with three combat tours to Afghanistan along with many other global operations earning him four commendation medals. James initially began his service in 1986–1991 with the active duty USAF, then served in the KY Army National Guard as a Military Intelligence Analyst before transferring into the KY Air National Guard in December 1997 where remains today.
James has been married over 23 years with 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren.
BRUCE TOWNSHEND
Chief, Employer Engagement
DOD | ESGR
Bruce Townsend
Mr. Townshend is a native of Lowell, Massachusetts, where he enlisted in the Army in 1981 as a military policeman. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in Boston, graduating in 1987. He was commissioned as an officer in the Military Police Corps through ROTC. He is a 2004 graduate of the Defense Information School and is a qualified Public Affairs Officer. He served a combined total of 28 years in the Army and Army Reserve, with assignments in Alabama, Virginia and Washington, and overseas assignments in Panama and Germany. He has served in Korea and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 416th Engineer Command from Darien, Illinois, in 2003. For the final three years of his career, he mobilized with the Army Reserve and was a primary developer of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) as a project and program manager up to his retirement in 2011.
Mr. Townshend has three grown children and six grandchildren, all of whom reside in the State of Washington. He is an avid firearms enthusiast and poker player, and is fiercely proud of his Scots-Irish heritage. He has been to all 50 states. He currently resides in Falls Church, Virginia.
LORRAINE S. WILSON
Director of Investment Products
JUST Capital
Lorraine Wilson
Lorraine has over 13 years of experience in the financial services industry, with a specialization in business development, due diligence, investor education, and relationship management. Prior to joining JUST Capital, Lorraine was Vice President, Exchange Traded Fund Product Manager at Merrill. Lorraine also held institutional sales roles at Third Avenue Management and Goldman Sachs Asset Management in New York. Lorraine earned an M.B.A. in finance and economics from New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business and a B.A. in Government from Georgetown University.
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS AND COMPANIES
