MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSTS “OPERATION HIRE

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSTS “OPERATION HIRE MARYLAND” KICK-OFF EVENT

Operation Hire Maryland to coach employers on sustainable veteran recruitment and retention programs-- creating a veteran-friendly business network

 

(Catonsville, MD) – Under the leadership of the Hogan-Rutherford Administration, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Secretary George Owings, announced today the launch of Operation Hire Maryland, an ongoing program designed to support employers as they develop or expand current veteran hiring and retention programs.  Through the collaborative efforts of MDVA, the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR), Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), the Operation Hire Work Group, and Maryland employers, Operation Hire Maryland is building a veteran-friendly business network to share best practices and proven methods for recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of veterans in the civilian work place. 

 

Today’s training held at the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville, launched Operation Hire Maryland for 2015.  More than 100 employers participated, from state and local governments and private sector businesses.  Military relations managers and veteran recruiters from Lockheed Martin, CACI, CSC, First Data, Jiffy Lube-Pikesville, PNC Bank, Maryland State Police and Maryland Department of Budget and Management, served as presenters, or on panels to highlight recruitment and retention best practices.

 

“The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes the success of 2014’s 100-day veteran hiring challenge,” said MDVA Secretary George Owings.  “We heard the call from employer participants to continue the campaign--and so we are.  It is our duty to continue on with this very rewarding initiative that brings together leaders in the field of veteran recruitment.  Modeled after similar programs in Virginia and North Carolina, we recognize that a program of this design is simply good for business, as well as good for our Maryland veterans.”

 

“In Maryland, we are committed to providing our veterans with the resources they need to transition to civilian life,” said DLLR Secretary Kelly Schulz.  “From providing veteran employment services and proven recruitment strategies to our businesses, to innovative campaigns like Operation Hire Maryland, we are investing in Maryland veterans in ways that promote success for all.”

 

“The veterans coming out of military commands in Maryland and across the nation are proficient in cybersecurity, biodefense, research and development, technologies, and a host of other critical areas,” said DBED Secretary Mike Gill. “Through Operation Hire Maryland, we can transfer these skills to the private sector and, most importantly, serve Maryland businesses that are seeking such proficiencies as well as the talented military veterans who have so admirably served our nation.”

 

Businesses and government agencies may begin registering to participate in Operation Hire Maryland on June 8.  Participation is free.  Employers are asked to pledge a specific number of veteran hires and to attend at least one Operation Hire Maryland training or networking event in the next year.  Hires will be tracked and employers will be recognized for their efforts to recruit and support veterans in the civilian work place.  Information on Operation Hire Maryland can be found at the MDVA website, veterans.maryland.gov, or by contacting Dana Hendrickson, Director of Outreach, MDVA, 410-260-3842 or dana.hendrickson@maryland.gov

 

###

 

Dana Hendrickson, MA

Director, Outreach and Advocacy

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs

410-260-3842/ dana.hendrickson@maryland.gov

Visit our website: veterans.maryland.gov

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MDVeterans

Follow us on Twitter: @MDVeterans