Press Release  Governor Healey Announces Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission, Highlights Growing Number of Veteran Ready Businesses in Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the creation of the Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission (VEOC) and highlighted 32 Massachusetts businesses that have been certified or pledged to become Veteran Ready Businesses, a free, state certification aimed to educate businesses about the value of hiring veterans and their spouses.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll ceremoniously swore in commission members during the Edge4Vets fall workshop at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She was joined by Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Executive Office of Economic Development Undersecretary Pat Field, Labor and Workforce Development Assistant Secretary for Employer Engagement Ken Brown, Massachusetts employers, veterans and community leaders.

"Massachusetts veterans bring tremendous skills, experience and leadership to our workforce and we want to make sure they have every opportunity to put those talents to work and build successful careers after their service," said Governor Maura Healey. "From day one, we've been committed to making Massachusetts the best state in the nation for veterans and military families. That means supporting them at every stage of their lives, including making it easier to find good jobs. By bringing more employers to the table, expanding tax credits and strengthening pathways to employment, we're helping veterans and their families build their futures right here in Massachusetts."

"We want every veteran transitioning to civilian life to have a clear path to a good job and a meaningful career,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This commission will help us identify barriers and create more opportunities, while our Veteran Ready Business Program is helping employers recognize the incredible talent veterans bring to the workplace. That's good for our veterans, our businesses and our economy." 

“With their experience and professionalism, our veterans are tremendous assets just waiting to be tapped by local businesses,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka. “After serving our country, every military veteran in Massachusetts deserves the dignity and opportunity of a quality career. I’m pleased to see the Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission getting to work to make a meaningful difference for our service members and for the state’s economy, and I’m proud to have nominated my colleague, Senator John Cronin, a principled and hardworking Marine Corps veteran. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Goralnick for getting the ball rolling.”

"Veterans know how to lead, solve problems under pressure, and deliver for the people around them. Those skills don’t expire when the uniform comes off," said Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick. "The Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission brings business, academia, government, and our veteran community to the same table with one mission: connect veterans and their families to meaningful careers here in Massachusetts. When veterans thrive, our workforce and our Commonwealth become stronger."

"Veterans bring valuable experience that can greatly benefit Massachusetts businesses working hard to compete. We want more employers to recognize that talent and more veterans to find careers that make full use of their skills," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "This commission will help us identify barriers and strengthen connections between veterans and employers across the Commonwealth."

"We are working across our administration and with workforce partners to ensure Massachusetts veterans have access to meaningful careers in all regions of our Commonwealth," said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. "Through the Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission and partnerships with Veteran Ready Businesses, we honor our servicemen and women by connecting veterans to employers looking for skilled talent—an essential strategy to unlock the potential of our veterans, drive an inclusive workforce, and strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness."

The Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission brings together leaders from government, business, education and the veteran community to identify barriers to employment and strengthen career opportunities for veterans across Massachusetts. Established under state law, the commission will examine workforce challenges, including potential employment discrimination based on veteran status, and make recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Services in an annual report each March.

Approximately 200,000 veterans transition out of the military nationwide each year, and research shows that many face challenges finding employment that matches their skills and experience. The commission will help Massachusetts better connect veterans with employers, training and opportunities to build successful civilian careers.

Governor Healey has taken steps to make it easier and more affordable for employers to hire veterans. Through the historic HERO Act,  Governor Healey expanded the Vet-Hire Tax Credit for small businesses that hire veterans, including unemployed and service-connected disabled veterans. Governor Healey also launched a new tax credit for Massachusetts businesses that hire active members of the National Guard and eliminated apprenticeship registration renewal fees for veterans.

The five commission members announced today are:

• Tom LaRose, Director of the Veteran Education, Employment and Training (VEET) Office at EOVS and U.S. Army veteran, who is appointed by Secretary of Veterans Services Eric Goralnick and will serve as Commission Chair;
• David Abdoo, Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer at MassDevelopment and prior service member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, who is appointed by Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley;
• State Senator John J. Cronin, State Senator for the Worcester and Middlesex District and a U.S. Army veteran, who is appointed by Senate President Karen E. Spilka;
• Joseph B. Fuller, Professor of Management Practice in General Management and Entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School and co-lead of HBS’ Managing the Future of Work initiative, who is appointed by Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano; and
• Jooyi Ryan, Employment Coordinator with the VA Boston Veteran Readiness and Employment Program and U.S. Coast Guard/U.S. Coast Guard Reserve veteran, who is appointed by Governor Maura Healey.

The commission will also receive support from ad hoc members, including Christopher Mills, a Local Veterans Employment Representative at MassHire and Massachusetts Army National Guard veteran, appointed by Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. Additional ad hoc members will be named at a later date.

“Our economy is made stronger when Veterans’ service, skills, and experience are recognized and valued by employers across the Commonwealth,” said David Abdoo, MassDevelopment Chief of Staff and Chief Administrative Officer. “As a former member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, it is both an honor and a privilege to serve on the Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission supporting pathways to success for those who have served. This work is complemented by the Veteran Ready Business Program, aimed at helping Veterans and their spouses build rewarding careers while connecting Massachusetts employers with the talent they need to succeed.”

“I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for the opportunity to give back to a community I hold close to my heart,” said State Senator John J. Cronin. “As a veteran, I know how important it is to ensure that those leaving military service have opportunities to build meaningful careers. I am honored to work alongside fellow veterans and experts in the field to support that transition and expand economic opportunity for those who have served.”

“I am honored to join the commission under Secretary Goralnick’s leadership,” said Harvard Business School Professor Joseph B. Fuller. “Veterans represent one of the best pools of talent available in the Commonwealth, but too often face barriers that inhibit their career prospects. Creating new opportunities for them will be a win-win for vets and employers alike.”

“Through the establishment of the VEOC and by way of the continued support for the VRB program, we aim to bolster career opportunities for veterans and their families here in the Commonwealth,” said Tom LaRose, Director of the Veteran Education, Employment and Training (VEET) Office. “The more organizations we can bring into the network, the better equipped we’ll be to highlight all the wonderful strengths and characteristics that veterans and their families bring to the table. We all hang up the uniform at some point, and we want to ensure all our veterans find that second meaningful career when they make the transition.”

“I’m honored to serve with a group dedicated to advancing and supporting veteran employment. Veterans bring invaluable skills, leadership, and determination and are an incredible resource in our society,” said Jooyi Ryan, Employment Coordinator with the VA Boston Veteran Readiness and Employment Program. “I embrace any opportunity to support efforts that connect veterans with rewarding and fulfilling careers in Massachusetts. With the outstanding resources available in our state, we can help our veterans build successful careers.”

The administration also highlighted continued growth in the Massachusetts Veteran Ready Business Program, which helps employers recruit, hire and retain veterans and military spouses.

To date, 32 Massachusetts companies are certified or have pledged to become VRBs, including leaders in the fields of construction, manufacturing, healthcare, IT, consulting, logistics, supply chain management, and transportation. 

Through the program, businesses make a two-year commitment to supporting veteran employment at no cost. Participating employers receive information about veteran hiring events, resources to support veteran employees and opportunities to connect with veterans seeking employment. EOVS also shares job opportunities from participating businesses with veterans.

“Veterans bring proven leadership, adaptability, and the ability to deliver under pressure,” said Liseth Velez, Founder and CEO of LJV Development, a Veteran Ready Business. “When employers open real opportunities to them, the returns compound: stronger teams, stronger companies, and a stronger Commonwealth workforce.”

"We applaud the state's efforts to expand employment opportunities for veterans," said UMass Boston Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management John Drew. "Our mission is to provide veterans with access to high-quality educational opportunities, and it is encouraging to see growing demand for the talents and skills they bring to the workforce. As veterans gain new skills and credentials through higher education, increased career opportunities help them put that education into practice. Together, these developments create a stronger pathway to success for veterans and a stronger workforce for the Commonwealth." 

Governor Healey has made expanding workforce opportunities for veterans and military families a priority. Since taking office, the administration has awarded more than $15 million to expand registered apprenticeships across Massachusetts and secured an additional $1.5 million in federal funding to support workforce training in emerging industries. In July, the administration made apprenticeship more affordable for veterans by eliminating all renewal registration fees. Through MassHire, veterans receive priority access to employment and training services, including career counseling, job placement assistance and connections with employers, as well as support accessing GI Bill benefits for qualifying apprenticeships. The administration has also launched the Veterans Equity Dashboard to identify barriers to employment and implemented skills-based hiring practices across state government to better recognize military experience and qualifications. Together, these efforts are helping veterans translate their military service into meaningful careers while connecting Massachusetts businesses with the skilled workers they need.

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

State Senator John C. Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:

“Our veterans bring invaluable leadership, discipline, and real-world experience to the workforce, and we have a responsibility to ensure those skills are recognized and put to use here in Massachusetts. Supporting veterans as they transition to civilian careers is not only the right thing to do, but it also strengthens our businesses, communities, and economy. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the VEOC Commission for their continued efforts to connect veterans with meaningful employment opportunities and encourage more employers across the Commonwealth to become veteran-ready workplaces.”

Michael Branco, President and CEO of JAG Painting Contractors, Inc.:

"Being a Veteran Ready Business means recognizing the value, leadership, and work ethic that veterans bring to the workforce. Supporting veteran employment is not only the right thing to do, but it also strengthens our company and our communities. As a Veteran-Owned Company, we are proud to support those who have served and help create opportunities for their continued success.”

Mike Rodney, Master Chief, USN, Ret., Director, Human Resources, Waste Innovations:

"As a Veteran, I know the move from uniform to civilian life can feel overwhelming and chaotic. At WIN Waste Innovations, being a Massachusetts Veteran Ready Business means no Veteran has to figure it out alone. Veterans bring exactly what our work demands: Teamwork, safety, discipline, and the ability to lead when conditions change. 

Our commitment to Veterans extends far beyond expressing our gratitude on Veterans Day. We are proud to recruit Veterans, stand behind our National Guard and Reserve members when duty calls, and create meaningful careers where military experience, leadership, and service are genuinely recognized and valued.”

American Legion Department of Massachusetts Commander Robert Jerdan:

“In their service to our nation, veterans have demonstrated they have the skills, training, and drive to make a lasting difference to any employer. We hope this announcement will encourage more businesses in Massachusetts to open their doors to those who have served and support their development in the civilian workforce.”

DAV Department of Massachusetts Department Adjutant Michael Valila:

“Veterans bring leadership, resourcefulness, and a deep sense of responsibility to the workplace. Too often, the challenge is getting employers to recognize how those strengths translate into civilian careers. DAV Department of Massachusetts supports the Veteran Ready Business Program and Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission as opportunities to close that gap. Success should mean veterans finding meaningful work, earning a sustainable living, and having room to grow.”

Craig DeOld, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Massachusetts Commander:

“The establishment of this Commission sends a powerful message that Massachusetts values its veterans, recognizes their contributions, and is committed to helping them build successful careers and strong futures here in the Commonwealth.”

President and CEO of Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS) Charles E. Gagnon:

“Volunteers of America of Massachusetts welcomes the establishment of this commission as an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders, strengthen existing resources, and create sustainable career pathways for those who have served. This announcement recognizes that veterans bring invaluable skills, leadership, and experience to the civilian workforce, and we look forward to working with more partners to ensure they can benefit from stable employment opportunities in our state.”

Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officers Association President Cory Hasselmann:

“The MVSOA is pleased to see this Commission come together in recognition of the value that veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Our Veterans’ Service Officers are proud to work with our state partners to ensure every opportunity is available to our former service members and their families so that they can

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