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MD Spotlight: Veterans in the Workplace
Veterans in the Workplace aims to educate business leaders and human resource (HR) professionals how to effectively source and support veteran hiring in the workplace. A part of Maryland Chamber’s MD Spotlight series, this event will focus on identifying, attracting and filling in-demand roles with top talent.
Each year over 200,000 service members return to civilian life creating a large pool of talent that may not be top of mind for all employers. Tapping into the knowledge and perspective of service members transitioning to the civilian workforce has proven to be a successful strategy in workforce development. There is a tremendous opportunity for employers to look to the expertise of veterans and utilize their skill sets.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is bringing together military personnel, employers, educational institutions and workforce development professionals to discuss:
- the array of benefits that come with hiring veterans
- what civilian business professionals can learn from military ethos and mindset
- success stories of businesses with programs and initiatives aimed at educating and hiring veterans
- resources and tools that are currently available to assist with implementation of successful programs within businesses
As a business community, let’s work together to improve upon the employment processes and opportunities for transitioning veterans. Together, we can continue to make Maryland a stronger state.
For more information including sponsorship opportunities contact Marie Rau at mrau@mdchamber.org
With thanks to our sponsors!
Download the agenda or see below for more details!
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration
1:00pm – 1:05pm
Welcome and opening remarks
Presented by:
Christine Ross, President & CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
1:05pm – 1:30pm
VALUING OUR VETERANS
Over 200,000 service members transition out of military service into the civilian sector each year. Hear about why Maryland businesses should look beyond the uniform and see the versatile and employable skills these veterans bring with them from their years of military service. Explore how best to incorporate and support veterans in your own workplace and make the most of their skillsets.
Moderator: Jim Lose, Military Transition Division, Lucas Group
Panelists:
- COL Michael Duplechain, Maryland Army National Guard
- CAPT Marvin Jones USN (Ret.)
- Clarence Thomas Jr., Regional Program Director, Navy Wounded Warrior – Safe Harbor, Naval District Washington, WRNMMC Bethesda
- CSCS Alex Vasquez, USN
1:30pm – 2:15pm
JOINING FORCES
Incorporating a veterans focused plan into your HR strategy can sound daunting. We’re bringing together best in class examples of businesses and educational institutions who have developed and implemented programs to attract, employ and retain veterans.
Moderator: Dr. Lisa Stern, Visiting Assistant Professor in Human and Organizational Learning, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, The George Washington University
Panelists:
- Kathy Francis, Executive Director of Emergency Management Programs, Frederick Community College
- Francisco German, Area Security Manger, Co-Chair of Veterans Business Resource Group, USMC Veteran, UPS
- Tom Kearney, Vice President of Network Engineering, Comcast
- Russell Strickland, Executive Director, MEMA
- David Wallace, Military Relations Project Manager, Lockheed Martin
2:15pm – 2:30pm
Networking break
2:30pm – 3:00pm
KEYNOTE: “ONE HEALTH SYSTEM’S APPROACH TO SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS”
Recognizing that a “one size fits all” approach to healthcare is ineffective, especially as it relates to our military community, is imperative. At Holy Cross Health they’ve created a healthcare program centered around military members, veterans and their families designed to address this issue.
Hear from Dr. Norvell Coots as he presents “One Health System’s Approach to Supporting Our Veterans” and explains the ways this program has benefited their business and community.
Learn how staff at Holy Cross Health are trained to help understand and respond to health concerns and challenges specific to the military community and learn about their commitment to providing respectful and culturally competent health care services.
Presented by:
Dr. Norvell V. Coots, President & CEO, Holy Cross Health
3:00pm – 3:45pm
BASIC TRAINING FOR BUSINESSES
Hear from organizations who have resources to help you leverage your veterans program. These programs will help educate your leadership on best practices in hiring, training and retaining veteran employees. Learn about the programs and initiatives that currently exist and how to successfully implement them into your veterans hiring strategy.
Moderator: Gary Simpson, Transition Coordinator, Navy Wounded Warrior – Safe Harbor, Naval District Washington, WRNMMC Bethesda
Panelists:
- Lois Bennett, Transition Services Specialist – Program Manager Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) USAG Fort George G. Meade
- Denise Bourdeax, Program Manager, Military Corps Career Connect, C3
- Dana Burl, Director, Outreach and Advocacy, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
- Crystal Cochran, Deputy Director, Corporate Fellowship Program, Hiring Our Heroes, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
3:45pm – 4:00pm
Thank you and closing remarks
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Networking Reception – “Mandatory Fun”
