Executive Director

• Aug 2022 - Present

Build the Non-Profit side of Talents ASCEND. The ASCEND Collective will assist those in underserved communities. We use our AI-Powered platform to match candidates with employers based solely on skills.No Resumes. No Job Searching. No Applications.The three communities of focus are:Ability ASCEND - serving anyone with a disabilityMission2ASCEND - serving those with Justice-InvolvementVeterans ASCEND - serving military (active-duty, reservists, Guard), veterans (all era's), military & veteran spouses, and adult-aged dependentsEstablished the organization's DOD SkillBridge Internship program. Recruited, screened, processed, onboarded, managed, and mentored those brought onto the team.The public face of the organization at hiring events, conferences, trade events, military and veteran community projects, and more. Both in-person and virtually. Building community partnerships, strategies, and connections. Show less

Special Projects Lead

• May 2022 - Aug 2022

Develop detailed skills mapping for military occupation specialtiesWork on assignments as directed by organizational Leadership to improve the needs of our platform and support our candidates and clients.

Co-Chair

• Jun 2019 - Jan 2023

Group of area Veterans working together and in conjunction with local businesses, colleges, non-profits, Veterans Service Organizations, Veteran Service Officers, and the VA to develop a community-based Board to work on strategic-level issues. Group of area Veterans working together and in conjunction with local businesses, colleges, non-profits, Veterans Service Organizations, Veteran Service Officers, and the VA to develop a community-based Board to work on strategic-level issues.

Editor

• Jan 2018 - Dec 2022

Publish the weekly Information Blast of Florida (For Free). It lists events that we feel would be of interest to military, veterans, first responders, and their families throughout the state of Florida. Events include community events, employment opportunities, resources, transition assistance, career workshops, sporting events, networking opportunities, and more. Publish the weekly Information Blast of Florida (For Free). It lists events that we feel would be of interest to military, veterans, first responders, and their families throughout the state of Florida. Events include community events, employment opportunities, resources, transition assistance, career workshops, sporting events, networking opportunities, and more.

Career Readiness Instructor

• Aug 2020 - Jul 2022

Career Readiness Instructor for the FourBlock Career Readiness Program for transitioning Veterans. The FourBlock program is a semester-long, university-accredited program that provides professional development, career exploration, and network that today’s generation of veterans need to be competitive for great careers. Each week we take the cohort of veterans to visit a new company to hear career advice, discover new industries, and build their network to help them transition successfully. With my co-instructors, we give career readiness workshops on resumes, effective use of LinkedIn, interviewing, networking tips, and effective strategies to build your network as well as numerous other techniques to help veterans successfully find purposeful employment that values their unique skills and experience. Work with current corporate host organizations to build relationships and maintain partnerships. Introduce FourBlock to potential partner organizations and follow up with those interested and make an introduction to the team. Assist in recruiting new students to attend the local and nationwide cohorts. Visit the FourBlock website to learn more about this great program. https://fourblock.org/ Show less

Vice President

• Mar 2020 - Mar 2022

Oversaw an all-volunteer workforce that is making a difference in how military transition is done. From planning and creating annual, quarterly, and monthly goals & objectives for the organizations with the Board of Directors & President, working with the Directors, conducting outreach, and more. Hosted virtual networking events that bring together transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses with recruiters, veteran advocates, service providers, information, resources, connections, and more. I hosted over 40 events to ensure there is a smooth process and transition from one segment to another. Keeping our attendees (avg. of 375) engaged in a positive and energetic environment. I was the face and voice of Vets2Industry for these events. You can see the replay of these events at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvDZxtWk4keXaRuA14D87Ng We also have a free resource library that is constantly updated. https://vets2industry.org Show less

Product Specialist

• Oct 2021 - Jan 2022

Advisor

• Jan 2021 - Dec 2021

Co-Founder

• Jun 2018 - May 2021

Conduct 4 networking events each month for veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses find their next career opportunities. Regular attendees are Hiring Managers, recruiters, career coaches, service providers, networkers, and those looking for employment. We host an educational series the second Tuesday of each month on need to know transitioning topics followed by networking. Traditional networking event on the fourth Tuesday of each month that rotates around the City. Our newest meetings are at local coffee shops. Show less

Ambassador

• Jun 2019 - Jun 2020

Connect transitioning servicemembers with local and nationwide companies and organizations offering internship opportunities through the DoD SkillBridge program. HireMilitary provides critically experienced transitioning servicemembers (and connections) to the private sector, employers get a 'try-out' of potential veteran employees, and reduces unemployment compensation paid by military services as HireMilitary leads to full-time employment. Connect transitioning servicemembers with local and nationwide companies and organizations offering internship opportunities through the DoD SkillBridge program. HireMilitary provides critically experienced transitioning servicemembers (and connections) to the private sector, employers get a 'try-out' of potential veteran employees, and reduces unemployment compensation paid by military services as HireMilitary leads to full-time employment.

Executive Director

• Nov 2017 - Oct 2019

Inform, connect, unite, and organize service members, veterans, and the local community on all things veteran related. Provide a platform each quarter to discuss veterans’ issues, successes, and failures, while putting entry-level active duty personnel through World War II veterans (a 10-decade span) under the same roof. - Develop the vision, strategies, and mission of Vets4Vets to make a lasting community impact - Plan and execute the largest reoccurring gathering of veterans in Florida (Diverse group of almost 400 attendees, 80+ exhibitor’s, and 5-7 guest speakers per gathering) - Conduct volunteer recruitment to fill needed staffing for event day and assign individual volunteers - Engage with community partners to build a partnership of resources to communicate effectively to our target audience with the goal of retention of attendees for future gatherings - Follow up on leads, information request, surveys, and staff and individual volunteers comments and vision for a final event report and present to the Board of Directors’ - Oversee the organizations social media accounts, ensuring that messages align with the vision and mission Show less

Committee Member

• Oct 2018 - Mar 2019

One of five veteran leaders invited to work with the City of Jacksonville, SMG, and VyStar on a contract agreement that brought benefits to all parties involved. One of five veteran leaders invited to work with the City of Jacksonville, SMG, and VyStar on a contract agreement that brought benefits to all parties involved.

Career Transition Facilitator

• Jul 2017 - Mar 2019

Facilitate a 3-day employment workshop to transitioning service members and their families. The presentation focuses on the foundations of getting a job. Conducting career research, translating skills, networking, social media, resumes, cover letters, interviewing, and negotiation. - Facilitated 45 workshops at 12 different locations to 1,584 students from all 5 branches of service. - Communicated effectively to site staff, students, and senior leadership to build a collaboration of resources that benefit the students and allows for the development of individual transition plans Display strong leadership skills and serve as a role model when leading group discussions to a class of 10 to 50 participants. Persuasive, enthusiastic, and an active listener with the ability to compromise and negotiate instead of enforcing a decision. The complete course required documentation including, but not limited to, attendance reports, evaluation forms, and other workshop reports. Show less

Recruiter / Facilitator

• Jan 2017 - Oct 2018

Assist with interview preparation, conduct interviews, and provide direct feedback to the hiring manager, Program Manager, and Department Director on over 75 interviews. My job was to ensure the candidate would be able to connect with a military audience on top of being qualified and able to deliver the workshop requirements. Assist with interview preparation, conduct interviews, and provide direct feedback to the hiring manager, Program Manager, and Department Director on over 75 interviews. My job was to ensure the candidate would be able to connect with a military audience on top of being qualified and able to deliver the workshop requirements.

Independent Consultant

• May 2016 - Feb 2017

Worked for multiple companies to assist with the analysis of government contracts, developed plan of actions and milestones (POA&M), and conducted lean six sigma and continuous process improvement projects. - Developed business strategy, plans, and POA&M on 2 Department of Defense contracts that were valued over $30M a year for 5 years - Conducted multiple projects for an electronics manufacturing factory that improved their production lines ability to meet shipment dates over 10% in less than a month - Cross-trained 3 Senior Production Supervisors and 1 Scheduler to provide coverage as required to keep production going and remove stuck points that were interfering with production goals Show less

Senior Advisor

• Apr 2014 - Apr 2016

Oversaw all communication electronics maintenance for an organization of over 1,000 employees spread across 7 companies. Assigned 45 employees to companies based on current and future needs. Developed budgets for each of the 7 companies communication electronics maintenance departments. Recognized for superior performance.- Maintained a 98% equipment readiness for the organization's 4,784 communications assets, valued at over $25.7M- Improved the organization's communications department’s score on an external Logistics Readiness Evaluation by 17% within a 6 month period. This score is 23% higher than the average for communications departments- Developed, coached, and mentored 45 employees to ensure personal and professional development occurred while ensuring all organizational standards were being met- Recorded assessments of employees into the human resources performance management systems Show less

Master Sergeant

• Aug 1992 - Apr 2016

23+ years of active duty service in the United States Marine Corps. During my service, I have had the privileged to serve with a diverse group of amazing heroes that put service before themselves. I was able to grow and serve in a variety of duties such as human resource manager, maintenance management, logistics manager, and communication electronics technician. My service allowed me to visit and learn about a variety of cultures and countries that increased my understanding of the world. These experiences have enabled me to develop strong social and technical skills that I have been able to put to practical use.-Advised 450 senior management professionals, 600 peers, and 1,000 direct reports on promotions, progress reviews, retention contracts, award submissions, evaluations, succession plans, and future assignments. -Wrote 80 job descriptions for 13 different departments to ensure employees fully understood their duties and responsibilities while also ensuring management understood what was required from each employee.-Informed 1,000 employees about 15 different educational programs available to them. Guided employees in identifying the best benefits for their career and education goals. Assisted employees with filling out educational applications for submission on required timelines.-Counseled over 1,750 employees through family issues, monetary concerns, educational and professional goals. Guided them in sound career decisions based on their capabilities. Encouraged promising employees to challenge themselves by moving into positions of greater responsibility, resulting in 275 reenlistments. Show less

Equal Opportunity Representative

• Aug 2014 - Oct 2015

-Conducted Equal Opportunity training to new and current employees, raising awareness of workplace issues concerning discrimination and sexual harassment while fostering more fair and positive work environment-Designed and conducted workplace environment surveys and communicated the results directly to the company’s Chief Executive Officer and recommended solutions for more effective management of a diverse workforce-Implemented several initiatives that elevated visibility of Equal Opportunity and Sexual Assault Prevention to ensure a healthy organizational climate which supported the professional and personal development of the organization. -Demonstrated professionalism, tact, diplomacy and discretion during screening and handling of employee grievances and conflict resolution on a wide variety of complex issues, especially in a rapidly changing, fast paced environment. -Initiated immediate recommendations to senior management when Equal Opportunity problems were recognized in order to maintain a positive organizational climate for a 1,200 employee organization while also tracking and reporting any changes. Show less

Maintenance and Support Division Manager

• Oct 2013 - Apr 2014

-Managed a mixture of 20 Marines and civilian employees.-Oversaw daily operations for two separate operation divisions. One division received all information technology assets for Marine Base Camp Pendleton and processed these assets for deployment into the base infrastructure (Approximately 2,000 items a month). Second division provided all communication equipment install, repairs, and support for the First Responder network aboard the base.-Represented the Base Communications Office during multiple base/installation projects.-Provided direct employee reviews for promotion and awards.-Ensured all directives and policies were followed within the Division. Show less

Communications Director

• Jun 2011 - Sep 2013

-Managed a department of 80 employees (active duty and reservist) in support of the organizations mission.-Was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for managing $25M of serialized communications equipment, maintaining a 98% readiness rate with zero losses. Supervised an Electronics Key Management System account containing over 1,600 controlled National Security items spread across 17 departments in 7 states in support of 5,000 employees. Ensured 100% compliance through 6 semi-annual inspections, 15 unannounced inspections and 24 inventories. -Part of the team that managed an organization-wide restructuring and downsizing initiative affecting 8,000 personnel. Implemented change management strategies to compare job requirements to projected needs resulting in the retraining of 750 employees, transfer of 250 employees and downsizing of 1,500 employees. -Provided performance reviews, promotion recommendations, and award recommendations for all personnel.-Managed Communications support for a Marine Regiment (5,000+ employees) located in 7 states throughout the central United States region.-Managed the Kansas City Toys for Tots program: Scheduled 200+ events to raise monetary contributions and toy donations; led a community team that sorted, warehoused, and distributed over 200,000 toys to local organizations.-Worked with senior organizations to develop communication plans globally and ensure equipment upgrade and support was provided for all subordinate companies.-Part of the organizations senior staff and a member of the team that maded decisions on how to restructure the organization based on which sites were least effective and unable to meet operational requirements. Show less

Human Resources Manager

• Feb 2010 - Jun 2011

-Interviewed and counseled enlisted personnel on pertinent professional and personal matters that may affect the efficiency of the command.-Briefed 2 departments of 400 personnel on the Department of Defense removal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy resulting in 0 complaints or reports during the transition period. -Coordinated, assisted, and participate in ceremonies and senior briefings. -Supervised clerical and administrative matters, training functions and the employment of the command in garrison and in field operations. -Assigned logistic functions such as; billeting, transportation, messing, office, personnel living space inspections, investigations, and personnel management. -Ensured performance review reports are accurate and timely for career progression, retention, pay, and promotion. -Received and managed workplace and ensured complaints were promptly investigated in a fair, impartial manner, and were appropriately resolved without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or retaliation Show less

Communications Equipment Logistics Manager

• Aug 2009 - Feb 2010

-Oversaw all communication employees placement within the organization.-Developed personnel plan to support teams tasked to deploy oversees in support of OIF and OEF.-Managed communication support requests from our customers to ensure support was prioritized and provided in a timely manner.-Attended regular meetings with clients in order to present information and to gain insight on how our organization was meeting our customer's needs.-Provided the CEO with action plans that would increase our production and reduce how many days equipment was in the maintenance process. Show less

Human Resources Manager

• Oct 2008 - Aug 2009

-Interviewed and counseled enlisted personnel on pertinent professional and personal matters that may affect the efficiency of the command. -Coordinated, assisted, and participate in ceremonies and senior briefings. -Supervised clerical and administrative matters, training functions and the employment of the command in garrison and in field operations. -Assigned logistic functions such as; billeting, transportation, messing, office, personnel living space inspections, investigations, and personnel management. -Ensured performance review reports are accurate and timely for career progression, retention, pay, and promotion. -Received and managed workplace and ensured complaints were promptly investigated in a fair, impartial manner, and were appropriately resolved without fear of reprisal, intimidation, or retaliation Show less

Logistics Manager

• Feb 2007 - Sep 2008

-Directly responsible for the onboarding of a diverse employee population that was assembled for an overseas mission to Iraq in support of OIF.-Personnel were a mixture of active duty and reservist that were brought in from over 20 different locations across the United States.-All employees were provided transportation, equipment, and training so the company could deploy on time.-Managed all support requests ranging from food, water, supplies, transportation, and administrative support.-Personally provided hours of training to the entire company.-Returned all employees back to the United States safely while providing 100% accountability of all equipment. Show less

First Line Maintenance Supervisor

• Mar 2006 - Feb 2007

-Managed the company's organic section that consisted of 15 employees. -Provided an intermediate electronics maintenance unit with the equipment required to maintain, repair, and replace electronic components in Marine Corps radio, telephone, and other equipment. -Reviewed maintenance reports, generators, vehicles, and all related maintenance programs. -Provided direct feedback on performance reviews, promotions, awards, and all personnel matters.

Communications Manager

• Mar 2003 - Mar 2006

-Prepared a Marine Corps Battalion for training and deployments in support of Marine Corps and unit policies and orders. -Provided Battalion subordinate units with leadership and guidance on all communication requirements. To include secured communications, telephone services, network access/support, equipment upgrades, frequency management, keying material, and spectrum management. -Assigned personnel to community support events for military Color Guards and funeral details. -Processed security clearance requests and maintain personnel access to sensitive information. -Managed a Battalion's government credit card program. -The Battalion consists of 7 units in 6 different states from coast to coast. Show less

Student - Intermediate Electronics Maintenance

• May 2002 - Mar 2003

Attended the Marine Corps Communications Electronics school for an intermediate level course. Course focused on advanced electronics troubleshooting.

Information System Manager

• Mar 1999 - Apr 2002

-Managed the entire sites information technology systems (Servers, routers, switches, e-mail, web).-Plan for IT upgrades of all devices and budget for future needs.-Oversaw both the classified and unclassified networks.-Built and repaired computer assets to ensure all departments were fully capable of completing their functions.-Coordinated with local telecommunications company to handle all telephone issues for the company.-Taught courses on how to access domain sites and share information across the network to improve on information sharing.-Advised senior executives on planned outages, upgrades, and IT issues that would effect the mission.-Provided tactical radio communications support for operational sections in line with the mission.-Supervised a maintenance section consisting of 15 personnel.-Managed operational and maintenance requirements for 36 vehicles with embedded mobile communications systems. Show less

Student - Basic Electronics Maintenance

• Jun 1998 - Feb 1999

Attended the Marine Corps Communications Electronics school for the basic level course. Course focused on fundamentals of electronics and troubleshooting proceedures.

Training Manager

• Aug 1997 - May 1998

-Developed detailed training plans for a 800 employee organization with 6 unique departments.-Published weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual training schedules for the organization.-Scheduled training requirements for employees in order to ensure compliance with all high headquarters policies.-Enrolled personnel in both resident and nonresident professional military education programs.-Instructed large scale classes to the entire unit on upcoming training opportunities and changes to Marine Corps policy as it related to training.-Administered semi-annual physical fitness training and recorded the results into the Total Force Structure system.-Planned and executed small unit training exercises to include practical application to ensure that personnel were able to apply what they learned in the classroom environment. Show less

Maintenance Manager

• Jul 1996 - Jul 1997

-Oversaw maintenance programs for a large motor transportation department, that also conducted engine rebuilds on small water craft, and precision repairs on optical equipment.-Conducted daily service request creation, status updates, parts ordering, tracking, and workflow priorities for a maintenance shop consisting of 25 personnel.-Managed the shop budget and provided leadership with detailed information on current and future maintenance requirements.-Assigned as the sections billeting coordinator and ensured all trouble calls were completed by proper personnel to maintain a high quality of living spaces for enlisted personnel.-Developed and executed weekly and monthly training schedules to keep all personnel up to date on all higher headquarter requirements. Show less

Maintenance Manager

• Mar 1993 - Jun 1996

-Oversaw maintenance programs for the largest motor transportation organization aboard the Twentynine Palms installation.-Assigned daily work schedules to maintenance personnel based on priority of work requests and resources available-Passed multiple higher headquarter compliance inspections and as a result of superior performance assigned as a local inspector for other companies aboard the base.-Team leader for the departments junior enlisted to handle all human resources and training requirements.-Part of the project management team to determine requirements for field exercises and training improvements within the department.-Provided cross-training for operators on maintenance programs and procedures. Show less