HISTORY

Seeing a need to support our transitioning service members, the HKPO Veterans Academy was incorporated in 2022 as the non-profit division of HKPO.

Over the course of our first year, our team worked tirelessly to develop a multi-faceted and one-of-a-kind curriculum that focused on both training, industry experience, and certifications, but also on mentorship and development of our cohort members with the goal of eradicating the struggles, stress, and confusion of military transition. ​

PURPOSE, MISSION & VALUES

​PURPOSE

We honor and serve our transitioning military community by empowering and upskilling them for post-military employment.

MISSION

We support our transitioning military community by providing education and training for industry-recognized certifications, building professional networks, and providing mentorship along with the necessary resources that enable their transition from the military community into civilian employment.

VALUES

We fulfill our mission with our Core Values of LEADERSHIP

About HKPO Veterans Academy

The HKPO Veterans Academy is a nonprofit initiative launched by HKPO and recognized as an official Department of Defense SkillBridge provider. The Academy is dedicated to supporting transitioning servicemembers as they move from active duty into successful civilian careers. Through comprehensive training, mentorship, and career transition support, the Academy equips veterans with the tools needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

Our Mission

The mission of the HKPO Veterans Academy is to empower and upskill veterans while strengthening the national workforce. This is achieved by:

  • Providing industry-recognized certifications and comprehensive transition support
  • Accelerating career success and reducing veteran underemployment
  • Developing highly capable professionals who contribute meaningful value to organizations nationwide

Core Training Programs

The Academy offers targeted, high-impact training programs aligned with industry demand:

  • Lean Six Sigma – Focused on process improvement, operational excellence, and efficiency
  • Project Management Professional (PMP, PMI) – Emphasizing structured project leadership and execution
  • Agile Scrum – Preparing participants for modern team collaboration and product management environments

Transition Support

The HKPO Veterans Academy provides holistic, wraparound support to ensure a successful transition:

  • Resume reviews and interview preparation
  • Professional networking opportunities with industry leaders
  • Mentorship from board members, business leaders, veterans, and corporate partners
  • A strong sense of camaraderie and belonging, helping veterans build a new professional community after service
  • Access to wellness and mental health resources to support the whole-person transition

Impact and Return on Investment

Each year, approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition from military service to civilian life. The HKPO Veterans Academy delivers measurable results:

  • 84 percent of participants are hired immediately upon program completion
  • 96 percent secure employment within six months
  • Veterans bring leadership, discipline, and advanced problem-solving skills that are critical assets for employers

Every dollar invested in the Academy generates multiplied returns through increased employment, reduced societal costs, and stronger, more resilient communities.

Sustainability and Growth

The HKPO Veterans Academy continues to expand its mission through grants, donations, and strategic industry partnerships. Resources are focused on delivering high-quality training, certifications, and career readiness support. Success is measured through job placement rates, long-term career retention, and the sustained impact veterans make within the workforce.

Board of Directors

It is with great privilege that I officially announce my role as President of the Board of Directors for the HKPO Veterans Academy. Our HKPO Veterans Academy supports our transitioning military community by providing education and training for industry-recognized certifications, building professional networks, and providing mentorship along with the necessary resources that enable their transition from the military community into civilian employment. We are thrilled to announce our Board of Directors and bring forward their passion to drive our mission.

Please join me in welcoming our 2025 HKPO Veterans Academy Board of Directors:

Jennifer Ralston,
President

Brian Partridge,
Vice President of Operations

James Toole,
Vice President of Curriculum Development

Celeste Torio,
Vice President of Next Mission Outreach

TBD,
Vice President of Sponsorships Outreach

Sonephet Victor Vichith,
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Aaron Nelson,
Vice President of Grants Outreach

Alexandria Holder,
Vice President of Political Outreach

Brandon Mullennix,
Vice president of Transition Office Outreach

Jedd Lucas,
Secretary

Erica Johnson,
Treasurer

Robert Keene,
Member At Large

Nathan Mitchell,
Member At Large

Past Directors

1st

Clay Anderson

Zachary Misner

2nd

Nate Mitchell

David Showalter

3rd

Phillip Caswell

Steven Potter

4th

Loren Green

Brian Schooley

5th

Gary Pitcher

Tamika Bradix

6th

Michael Spradley

Demetrius Hardy

7th

Wade Young

Dean Bloomberg

8th

Charles French

Josh Frederick

9th

William Wingertsahn

Scott Skinner

Current Directors

Luke Lefever

Alma Barajas

Lee Ambrose Park

Interns

Julia Cordoba-Batlle,
Marketing Intern

Parker Apicella,
Marketing Intern