SPRING 2021 HIGHLIGHTS
Our Spring, 2021 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 SPONSORS AND FRIENDS
CONFERENCE PARTNERS
Spring 2021 Keynote Speaker:
BOB HULSLANDER
LTC, USA (Ret)
Bob Hulslander first enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975. After eight years of combined active and Reserve duty he reentered the Army as a commissioned officer through ROTC. For the next 25 years he worked as a Military Intelligence officer in a variety of command and staff positions. Upon his retirement from active duty in 2008 as a Lieutenant Colonel, he worked for Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab before accepting a position as a Senior Analyst for US Joint Forces Command and the Joint Staff for the next 10 years.
Bob Hulslander
Bob Hulslander first enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975. After eight years of combined active and Reserve duty he reentered the Army as a commissioned officer through ROTC. For the next 25 years he worked as a Military Intelligence officer in a variety of command and staff positions. Upon his retirement from active duty in 2008 as a Lieutenant Colonel, he worked for Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab before accepting a position as a Senior Analyst for US Joint Forces Command and the Joint Staff for the next 10 years.
In 38 years of active military service he has studied, planned, supported and conducted military operations from the tactical through the highest national/strategic levels. He has participated in operations in support of national security initiatives, international diplomacy and humanitarian assistance in over 55 countries of Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and the Mideast. He served multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has a BA in Geography/Anthropology and an MS in Strategic Intelligence. He is a happily married man of 35 years with a daughter and son who are both in the military.
Spring 2021 Keynote Speaker:
PETE SCOBELL
Former Navy SEAL
Real Leader of “Captain Phillips” Navy SEAL Team
LT Pete Scobell has served in the United States Navy as both an enlisted and officer in the SEAL Teams. For almost 17 years he served on active duty before deciding to move into the active reserves in order to pursue another life long dream. He served at SEAL Team EIGHT, ONE, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He made 6 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places where he participated in, or led, various special operations missions – from undersea and direct action, to a successful hostage rescue of an American sea Captain off the Horn of Africa.
LT. Pete Scobell
LT Pete Scobell has served in the United States Navy as both an enlisted and officer in the SEAL Teams. For almost 17 years he served on active duty before deciding to move into the active reserves in order to pursue another life long dream. He served at SEAL Team EIGHT, ONE, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE and Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He made 6 deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places where he participated in, or led, various special operations missions – from undersea and direct action, to a successful hostage rescue of an American sea Captain off the Horn of Africa. Pete has been awarded a number of personal decorations including two Bronze Stars with Valor, Joint Commendation Medals, multiple combat action ribbons, and two Presidential Unit Citations.
Prior to the Navy, Pete was a ski racer in New York State and the Pennsylvania State Champion in the Pole Vault. While working as a lifeguard for the state of Pennsylvania, he was awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources Heroism Award for a rescue he made at Presque Isle State Park. He was the third (and last) enlisted SEAL selected to attend the United States Naval Academy. After a four-year hiatus from pole vaulting, he walked onto the Naval Academy Track Team (Division I), set the freshman record, and placed in the IC4A’s. He was also a starter on the A-side of Naval Academy Rugby team.
Pete has always taken the road less traveled, and when someone tells him it can’t be done, he does it. He claims he is not special; he just surrounds himself with special people and understands that there is a method to all madness. “Passion and focus are at the heart of everything great that all human beings accomplish. I am not afraid to fail,” he smiles and says.
Pete has spoken to the Buffalo Sabres, Hire Heroes, multiple corporate entities, various active military groups, and speaks on behalf of the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas. In addition, he has presented to SEALs, and their families, at retreats hosted by the Bureau of Naval Medical (BUMED) when they return from deployment. His lecture is titled “The Blast Affect” and centers around blast exposures, concussions, and post traumatic stress. He developed the talk as a patient at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) located on the National Naval Medical Center where he was diagnosed, and treated for, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He is now an honorary board member to, and speaks on behalf of, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes fund, which built NICoE.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
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.
COL. MATTHEW F. AMIDON, USMCR
Dir. Military Service Initiative
George W. Bush Institute
Col. Matthew F. Amidon, USMCR Director, Military Service Initiative | George W. Bush Institute
Colonel Amidon has served in both active duty and reserve capacities since 1994. As an AV-8B Harrier pilot, he deployed in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, at the operational and staff level. In his current reserve capacity, he serves as Assistant Wing Commander, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing. 4th MAW operates from numerous sites in 14 states with over 7,100 personnel and 160 aircraft. Its mission is to provide combat forces in support of Overseas Contingency Operations, Theater Security Cooperation missions, training exercises and daily tasking in support of the active component.
Recently, Colonel Amidon completed his commitment to the Creating Options for Veterans’ Expedited Recovery (COVER) Commission. COVER provided advice via its report to the VA, the President, and Congress, and examined the benefits of integrative treatments for the mental health conditions of veterans. The commission also analyzed the benefits of incorporating complementary and integrative health treatments in non-government affiliated facilities.
Colonel Amidon is originally from Stowe, Vermont and is a graduate of The University of Vermont. He earned his MBA at Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business in 2009. In 2012, he attended The Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy where he earned a Master of Science. Colonel Amidon is married with three children.
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.
BRANDON ARMSTRONG
Early Careers Lead
bp
Brandon Armstrong, Early Careers Lead | BP
Brandon joined bp in 2013 within talent acquisition and quickly found his way to becoming a volunteer and member of bpAAN (bp African American Network). During his time at bp, he has been actively engaged with multiple diversity initiatives within the organization as well as a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House.
In his free time, he and his wife (Rotavia) enjoy staying active by cycling and running while also watching their son (Chandler) play college basketball.
GEORGE BERNLOEHR
Lead Associate, Military and Veterans Affairs
Booz Allen Hamilton
George Bernloehr, Lead Associate, Military and Veteran Affairs | Booz Allen Hamilton
George launched his professional career serving in the US Navy as an avionics technician, was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and later was commissioned as a Naval Aerospace Maintenance Officer. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology from Excelsior College in Albany, NY. He lives in Cumming, Georgia.
DAVID BEST
Talent Management Lead
Humana Inc.
David Best, Talent Management Lead | Humana Inc.
He has served in four roles at Humana. As a Process Consultant, as an Operational Readiness Manager for a Lean Start-Up, Senior Talent Management Professional, and in his current role as a Talent Management Lead.
He is responsible for Humana’s veterans hiring initiative, disability hiring initiative, an initiative to bring senior citizens back into the workforce called Mature Worker, talent acquisition diversity recruiting strategy, and other diversity related hiring initiatives.
David recently stepped down after a 2 year term as the co-president for the 2500+ veteran’s network resource group at Humana. In addition, he has recently been appointed to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s Veteran’s Advisory Board for veteran’s affairs.
David has a graduate degree in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University in Missouri and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Manager, and Operational Customer Experience Manager.
His Talent Management background spans over 22 of his 32 years of active Army service and 5+ years at Humana. During his Army career, he served in positions of increasing responsibility worldwide with his last position as the senior Army retention director for the Afghanistan Theater of Operations.
When he’s not enjoying the company of his family and friends, David spends his free time reading, pursuing outdoor activities, and computing.
JASON BOONE
Military & Veteran Outreach Lead
Lockheed Martin
Jason Boone, Military & Veteran Outreach Lead | Lockheed Martin, Enterprise Talent Acquisition
Throughout his career Jason has led recruiting teams with a commitment to engaging talent in a more personal and meaningful manner. He opened his LinkedIn account in 2004; the year it launched and leverages that experience to facilitates workshops for the military community to enhance career transition success by building and leveraging their professional network.
Jason graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and is pursuing an MBA from University of Missouri Kansas City. He serves on his communities Board of Education, is an active member of the Rotary Club of O’Fallon Sunrise, and graduate of the Leadership St. Louis development program. He lives by the motto that an online network is valuable, and a personal network is life enhancing.
MARCO A. BONGIOANNI, LMHC
Readjustment Counseling Therapist
Bronx Vet Center
Marco A. Bongioanni, LMHC, Readjustment Counseling Therapist | Bronx Vet Center
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.
BRÉ CAMERON
Veterans Employment Program Manager|Talent Acquisition
Amgen
Bré Cameron, Veterans Employment Program Manage, Talent Acquisition | Amgen
Since joining Amgen Bre has helped the company hire over 200 veterans and implemented several initiatives to increase veteran hiring such as Military Fellowship Programs and onsite networking events called Veteran TalentFests.
Bre’ has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Liberal Studies from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and a Master’s of Arts degree in Engaged Humanities with any emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Montecito, California.
In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, traveling and spending time with her daughter, Jasmyne, and shih tzu / dachshund mix, Buster.
CRYSTAL COCHRAN
Director, Fellows Programs
Hiring Our Heroes
Crystal Cochran, Director | Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program
Crystal Cochran is Director for the Hiring Our Heroes Fellows Programs, a nationwide initiative providing transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans with extensive on-the-job training, corporate education, and networking opportunities that lead directly to job offers and career growth. Through this program and others, the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes organization connects the military community directly with employers to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce.
Crystal joined the HOH team in 2016 and served as Deputy Director for the Corporate Fellowship Program. The program grew to become the Department of Defense’s largest Skillbridge program, providing transitioning service members a smooth transition to civilian careers. Crystal then launched the Military Spouse Fellowship Program in 2019 and the Salesforce Fellowship Program in 2020. Crystal serves as an advocate and subject matter expert on veteran and military spouse employment and educates on issues impacting the military community. Crystal is passionate about leading a team that is changing the landscape of employment opportunities for veterans and military spouses.
Before joining Hiring Our Heroes, Crystal managed several programs for the Department of the Army while on the move as a military spouse, mostly focusing on deployment readiness and family advocacy. Crystal holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Occidental College and a master’s degree in counseling and psychology from Troy State University. Crystal is a dedicated traveler who has now happily settled in Northern Virginia with her family.
BETH CONLIN
Sr. Program Manager, Military Spouse Programs, Global Military Affairs
Amazon
Beth Conlin, Sr. Program Manager, Military Spouse Programs, Global Military Affairs | Amazon
TIFFANY DAUGHERTY, MRC, PHR
Head of Military & Veterans Outreach – US
Barclays
Tiffany Daugherty, MRC, PHR Head of Military & Veterans Outreach - US | Barclays
Prior to joining Barclays, Daugherty led military employment and entrepreneurship efforts at First Data. During that time, the team won several national awards based on innovative programming and outcomes including being ranked #1 on Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Employers” list in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
In 2018, Daugherty was appointed by the New York City mayor to the NYC Veterans Advisory Board and served as vice chair. In 2020, Daugherty was appointed by the Secretary of the VA to the VA Advisory Board on Women Veterans and the Board of Directors for Wounded Warrior Project.
She is an alumni of the 2018 George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program and a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Hiring Our Heroes – Veteran Employment Task Force.
Daugherty began her career as a U.S. Army Air Traffic Controller, serving in the U.S. and Republic of Korea. After service, she spent 10 years in the career counseling field, serving diverse student populations in technical colleges and traditional universities, including Vanderbilt University.
Daugherty spent four years at Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), leading a team of regional specialists in providing direct employment services to veterans with disabilities and their spouses. As a rehabilitation counselor and career coaching professional, Daugherty has directly helped over 2,000 students and veterans find careers and move forward in their transitions. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay State University and received her Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College.
SAMANTHA DOMINGO, MBA
Military Technical Sourcing Recruiter
Amazon Web Services
Samantha Domingo, Military Technical Sourcing Recruiter | Amazon Web Services
In April 2020, Samantha brought her keen focus on military talent recruitment within technology to Amazon Web Services (AWS). She joined the Military Initiatives and Technical Apprenticeships team where she leads sourcing efforts as a military technical recruiter. Prior to joining the AWS Military team, Samantha led hiring strategy, branding & talent recruitment for military talent as part of Rackspace Technology’s Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. She also recruited technical talent for USAA, Strategic Staffing Solutions and multiple start up organizations within the consulting industry.
Samantha is an active community engagement leader assisting veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and military families with career transition to the civilian sector. Samantha serves on the Resource Committee as part of the Amazon Military Spouse Leadership Council and serves as the San Antonio Hiring Our Heroes MSEEZ Hire Pillar Co-Chair. During her time at Rackspace, she led the RackVET Employee Resource Group and sat on the Board of Directors with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Rackspace Technology.
Over the last six years, Samantha has made meaningful contributions to her community in the San Antonio metro area. She co-founded #LinkedInMilCity in San Antonio. Before the isolating impact of COVID-19, this non-profit held in person meet ups with hundreds of military spouses and veterans seeking employment and mentorship. When COVID hit, the founders continued to provide this experience by pivoting their events from in-person to virtual. Through these efforts she has connected San Antonio employers with job-seeking members of the military community.
Samantha & her husband, Rey, are the founders of THE K.E.Y, an all-volunteer force around the globe to connect military spouses and veterans with mentors throughout their career to leaders across multiple industries. This initiative has grown to include 150+ volunteer mentors with representation from corporate America, small businesses, military installations and non-profit organizations.
Education: Master of Business Administration, University of Phoenix; Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, University of Phoenix; Associate of Science, Pre-Nursing Studies, Georgia Military College; Associate of Arts, Behavioral Science, Georgia Military College
EDDIE DUNN
President & CEO
Eddie Dunn Consulting, LLC
Eddie Dunn, President & CEO | Eddie Dunn Consulting, LLC
Prior to joining Marsh & McLennan, Eddie, was one of the originally architects of the most success veteran employment program in U.S. history, called the Veteran Jobs Mission with JPMorgan Chase. Eddie designed, built, and grew the nationally recognized coalition of 150 private-sector companies working to employ our nation’s veterans. In less than three years, the coalition hired more than 140,000 veterans. Since then, the coalition has grown to over 200 members and has hired over 780,000 veterans on its way to a million.
Eddie is a 20-year veteran of the United States Army, both active duty and reserves. Having served in the famed 82nd Airborne Division as a young paratrooper and logistician, he later joined the Army Reserves as a parachute rigger and jumpmaster. During that time, he deployed to Ground Zero during 9/11 and later for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was later promoted to Master Sergeant, where he held the position of First Sergeant before his retirement.
Eddie received his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Nyack College, New York, where he graduated summa cum laude. He is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, most notably, Glaxo Supervisor of the Year; Combat Action Badge; Army Commendation Medal; Novartis CEO Diversity Leadership Award; DOD, ESGR “Seven Seals” Award and most recently, two time recipient of the ESGR “Patriot” Award. Eddie also served as an elected Town Councilman in Vernon, New Jersey, where he currently lives with his bride of 25 years, Marie Dunn.
ED CARR
Director, Military and Veterans Affairs
Comcast NBCUniversal
Ed Carr, Director, Military and Veterans Affairs | Comcast NBCUniversal
Ed’s military career spanned 23 years active duty, as a combat medic and finishing as medical recruiting Company First Sergeant, he served on overseas combat and humanitarian deployments to the Middle East and the former Yugoslavia. Ed retired from Active Duty in 2016.
BRONAGH FRIEL
Program Lead
Grow With Google
Bronagh Friel, Program Lead | Grow with Google
ROBYN J. GRABLE
Founder and CEO
Veterans ASCEND
Robyn J Grable, Founder and CEO | Veterans ASCEND / Ability ASCEND
Her unwavering commitment to veteran employment is well-served by her corporate and military experience, including more than 30 years of private sector human resources after nine years of service in the U.S. Navy. Her ongoing study of America’s veteran workforce have made her a leading voice on the barriers and keys to success for their employment. She is a seasoned speaker and media resource, earning respect and praise from her peers.
In the private sector she focused primarily on workforce management, human capital planning, recruitment, process and procedure evaluation, strategic alignment and relationship management. She created skills assessment programs at blue chip companies McDonald’s Corporation and McGraw-Hill and during her tenure as a Strategic Client Partner at ADP, a leading human capital management firm, Robyn successfully managed and grew the largest client portfolio of Fortune 100 companies.
Robyn enlisted in the United States Navy immediately after high school in 1979, serving for nine years at the height of the Cold War. She received a Meritorious Unit Commendation while deployed to Keflavik, Iceland and the Navy Achievement Medal while stationed at the U.S. Command Center for the Pacific Fleet Pearl Harbor. For dedication to her profession and civilian community service, Robyn was awarded the Navy League Award.
A native of Richmond, Indiana, Robyn holds a master’s in psychology focused on Leadership Coaching. Her capstone project during her graduate studies emphasized coaching military veterans during their transition back to the civilian workforce. Committed to giving back, Robyn has volunteered for American Red Cross, The MS Society, United Way, March of Dimes, Upstate Warrior Solution, IVMF Mentor Program, STRIVE Mentor, Veterans Treatment Court and Vantage Point Foundation. She is a member of SHRM and advises the Workforce Readiness Council of the Greenville SHRM chapter.
Today she is focused entirely on ensuring veterans and military spouses are recognized for their skills, valued for their talent and that America’s employers realize the full value and skills of America’s heroes and military spouses, poised in the civilian workforce to truly ascend.
WESLEY R. GRAY, Ph.D.
CEO
Alpha Architect
Wesley R. Gray, Ph.D., CEO | Alpha Architect
VIVIAN GREENTREE, Ph.D.
SVP and Head of Global Corporate Citizenship
Fiserv
Vivian Greentree, Ph.D. SVP, Head of Global Corporate Citizenship and President | Fiserv Cares Foundation
Vivian is a Navy veteran and military spouse with leadership experience across public, non-profit, and private sectors. In 2019 she was accepted into the prestigious Presidential Leadership Scholar program, designated a City of Alexandria “40 Under 40,” and was recognized by the Washington Business Journal as a “Veteran Who Means Business.” In 2020, she was awarded Corporate Citizen of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Vivian is dedicated to creating positive spaces for citizens to thrive and firmly believes organizations and communities are powered by people and that human capital management is the key for effective organizations and a flourishing, civically engaged society. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Dog Tag Bakery, a veteran entrepreneurship incubator, is on the Board of Advisors for Girl Scouts of America’s Greater Atlanta Council, and the Alumni Association Advisory Board for the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia. Most recently, she joined the Board of Directors for the Red Cross of Georgia. She is a proud military spouse, married to a recently retired Naval Aviator, and together they have two boys, ages 16 and 14.
DAN HAMILTON
Host of the Next Gen Warrior podcast
Texas Veterans Land Board
Dan Hamilton
After his military service, Dan attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 2017 with a BA in U.S. Government. He worked as a Community Liaison for U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul before starting his tenure at the Texas General Land Office in November of 2017. Dan supports Commissioner Bush on travel, public appearances and internal needs. He produces and hosts the Next Gen Warrior podcast which promotes the personal and professional success stories of veterans across the nation.
Dan has been married to his wife, Lanae, for 5 years, is an avid sports fan, and is passionate about serving the needs of his community.
MONNISHA HAWKINS
U.S. Navy Veteran
Director, Talent Acquisition
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3)
Monnisha Hawkins, U.S. Navy Veteran Director, Talent Acquisition | Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3)
Monnisha attributes much of her success to internal drivers; she enjoys performing well, making those around her proud, and accomplishing any challenge set before her. She also counts her ability to embrace change and learn from her mistakes as contributors to her success. Motivated by technology and data and enjoys building new things, whether that is a new and improved process, a source of measurement, or beta testing recruiting applications.
In addition, Monnisha credits many life events for making her the successful person she is today — such as her time in the US Navy, which she says helped her “gain real-world experience along with a more structured way of thinking and executing ideas to actions.”
Future plans with her team at S3 involve hiring the right people to implement the company’s business strategy, and taking actions to leverage more and better recruiting technology.
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.
DEB KLOEPPEL
Founder & President
Military Spouse Jobs
Deb Kloeppel, Founder and President of Corporate America Supports You (CASY), aka VetJobs, and Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN), aka Military Spouse Jobs
Deb is trusted and called upon by all Branches of the Military Services for her thoughtful generosity and thorough knowledge and expertise in the area of military spouse transition, career trauma, workforce recovery, and up-skilling and re-skilling military spouses to take their rightful place in the workplace.
Prior to MSCCN, Deb built her career within American Airlines and Concentra Health Company as a Senior Vice President, Operations. At the same time, Deb founded and maintained a graphics art and sporting goods retail store for thirteen years.
Deb has earned numerous awards for her work, which include the Department of the Navy’s Meritorious Public Service Award and the DOD sponsored Homefront Diversity Award for being a leader in diversity employment, in 2008. Deb was honored to receive the prestigious National Guard Minuteman Award on behalf of CASY and MSCCN, in 2019.
Currently, Deb is launching two powerful programs which level the playing field for equal employment to military spouses in the corporate workforce: Arm-Me Up Careers CampaignTM for Army Spouses and Women’s Workforce Recovery Program (WWRP).
CHRISTINA KROMMES
Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition
American Water
Christina Krommes, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition | American Water
Christina Krommes joined American Water in 2007 as a Human Resources Specialist specializing in Employee Relations and FMLA. In 2011, she joined a Business Transformation team to lead the implementation efforts for the selected timekeeping software as part of the company’s overall Human Capital Management SAP/Successfactors implementation. In 2012, she accepted the role of Talent Acquisition Partner and was promoted to Talent Acquisition Lead in September 2016.
In March 2021, Christina was appointed Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition. In her current role, she directs Talent Acquisition activities and supports workforce recruiting across American Water’s footprint of 46 states. Working with the Director, Talent Acquisition and American Water leadership, the company has established an inclusion and diversity advisory council, was approved for the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), and was recognized by a variety of organizations including Military Times 100 Best for Vets Employer, 2020-21 Military Friendly® Employer (Gold status) for recruiting and hiring practices, 2019-20 Top Scoring Company for the Disability Equality Index, a member of the 2019 inaugural Bloomberg Gender Equity Index, and named to the NAACP Equity, Inclusion and Empowerment Index.
Christina holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s in business administration from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources from HR Certification Institute and SHRM Certified Professional. She and her husband reside in Pennsylvania with their four children.
MARTIN J. LAIRD
Global Program Manager, Tech for Good
IBM
Martin J. Laird, Global Program Manager, Tech for Good | IBM
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.
DON LIVINGSTON Jr.
Mfg & Sales Systems Manager
T&C North America
Sonoco
Don C. Livingston, Jr. Mfg & Sales Systems Mgr, T&C North America | Sonoco
JIM MORBACH
Vice President Field and Government Recruiting
Werner Enterprises
Jim Morbach, Vice President of Field and Government Recruiting | Werner Enterprises
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.
ED NICHOLSON
Senior Recruiter/Military Lead
Union Pacific Railroad
Edward L. Nicholson Senior Recruiter/Military Lead (US Army - Retired) | Union Pacific Railroad
GARY PATTON MG (Ret), USA
VP, Veterans and Military Affairs
CACI
Gary Patton MG USA (Ret), VP Veterans and Military Affairs | CACI
Prior to his Army retirement, he served in two key senior executive positions on the staff of the Secretary of Defense. As Director for the Department of Defense (DoD) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO), he served as the DoD’s single point of accountability and oversight for sexual assault policy and programs. As Principal Director for Military Personnel Policy, he was responsible for overseeing the implementation of DoD’s repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, as well as the development and implementation of DoD policy on recruiting, compensation, training, diversity, and employee relations for two million active duty service members.
Notably, Major General Patton’s military career included command at multiple levels and 45 months of combat duty in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF), highlighted by the following command and senior-level staff assignments: Deputy Commanding General for the NATO Training Mission in Kabul, Afghanistan, with responsibility for training, manning, and equipping the Afghan National Army during a critical growth period of OEF; Senior Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pentagon, Wash. D.C., with responsibility as the J1, Director for Manpower and Personnel for global force management responsive to the nation’s war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan; Commander, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Korea, and later in Ramadi, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where his brigade played a key role in the Battle of Fallujah and the first Iraqi democratic elections in 2004-2005; Chief of Staff, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, HI, and later in Tikrit, Iraq, where the division task force played a key role in the 2006-2007 U.S. troop surge of OIF.
A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science Degree, he also holds a Master of Science Degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), and Purple Heart.
He has been married for more than 35 years to the former Chong Suk Lim. Together they have raised three children and reside in Fairfax, VA.
ROBERT J. PIECHOTA
Long Island Branch Office Manager
U.S. Small Business Administration
Robert Piechota
KARL SNYDER
Managing Dir. and Chief Market Strategist
VETS Indexes
Karl Snyder, Managing Director, Chief Market Strategist | VETS Indexes
Karl Snyder is a Managing Director and the Chief Market Strategist of VETS Indexes. In this role, Karl sets the overall strategic direction for the firm’s suite of Veteran themed indexes. Mr. Snyder’s approach towards asset allocation is macro themed using both intermarket analysis and the business cycle. Often called upon by the industry for his strategic thought leadership, Karl specializes in sector rotation and the impact of the business cycle on the financial markets.
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
Previously, 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 engagement in several national panels/forums including the Veteran Jobs Mission, the American Legion and at Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) sponsored events.
James’ HR program leadership resulted in the following recognitions:
- 2018 Achieved historic milestone by recently being recognized as one of the Top 3 Military
Friendly® Employers in the U.S. for the second consecutive year by GI Jobs magazine - 2017 Exceeded company / program standards co-leading program to be recognized as the #1 Military Friendly® Employer in the U.S. by GI Jobs magazine (Victory Media) and named a Top 10 “Best for Vets” Employer for 2017 by Military Times magazine along with several other prestigious national awards
- 2016 Successfully exceeding CEO’s goal on our commitment to the marketplace with hiring veterans during the second year of the program co-leading program to be recognized as a Top 100 Military Friendly® Employer (ranking #66) by GI Jobs magazine in 2016 along with several other national awards
Prior to Marsh & McLennan Companies, James served at Humana over 17 years as a successful business leader in various functions to include the HR Program Leader for Humana’s Veteran & Military Spouse Hiring Program. 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 proudly serves as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) in the KY Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing as a senior leaders and 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 US Air Force, 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.
CHRISTOPHER VALDEZ
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Cognosante
Christopher Valdez, Talent Acquisition Specialist | Cognosante
Prior to accepting his current role in Cognosante, he did government consulting with the DoD for 7 years. He is also a proud member of the Virginia Army National Guard serving as an Infantry Officer. He holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and the other in Healthcare Administration from ECPI University’s Medical Careers Institute. He also has a MBA in Healthcare Management from Liberty University.
WIL WILLIAMSON
Director, Veterans Initiatives
Prudential
Wil Williamson, Director, Veterans Initiatives | Prudential
Prior to joining Prudential, Williamson served in the United States Marine Corps as a recruiting station director. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Accommodation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for successfully managing the talent acquisition of future Marines.
Williamson earned bachelor’s and master’s in labor and employment relations, and an executive certificate in Diversity in the Workplace, from Rutgers University. He was honored with the distinction of summa cum laude. He is an active board member of Rutgers University, Labor and Employment Relations Association.
DAVID F. WALLACE, USN(Ret)
Senior Manager, Military & Veteran Programs
Systematic Business Consulting
David F. Wallace, USN(Ret), Senior Manager, Military & Veteran Programs | Systematic Business Consulting
David leads the development, implementation, and marketing of the SBC SkillBridge Internship Program for transitioning service members, with additional fellowship opportunities for military spouses, wounded warriors (individuals with a disability), and military caregivers. Plus, identifies direct hire opportunities for veterans. He reports directly to the SBC President, and serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team providing discussions, updates, and assessments of Military & Veteran-related strategies, partnerships, and programs. Since arriving at SBC, he has overseen the onboarding and offers of 14 SkillBridge interns, 2 direct veteran hires and 2 direct military spouse hires.
He has been engaged with SkillBridge opportunities since 2017 and has assisted with the onboarding of more than 135 SkillBridge candidates with an 86% succession rate with offers to hire for those who have completed their respective SkillBridge Program.
He received his MBA in Human Resource Management through Trident University International with summa cum laude honors. David resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife Jana, son Jeremy and dog Clara.
KEITH W. WILSON
Lieutenant Colonel
Regional Director, South, Northeast and Europe
U.S. Army
Keith W. Wilson, Lieutenant Colonel Regional Director, South, Northeast and Europe | U.S. Army
LTC Wilson is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, and the Command and General Staff College. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from the United States Military Academy and a Master of Arts degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
LTC Wilson has one son, Raymond Eugene Griffin and one daughter, Isabella Grace Wilson.
BONNIE ZILENZIGER
Director, Talent Acquisition
Lowe’s
Bonnie Zilenziger, Talent Acquisition Director | Lowe’s
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