Empower Your Workforce. Employ a Veteran.

Bridging the Transition

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
421 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Join us for the Veterans Life Center – Bridging the Transition Kickoff Event, a unique opportunity for North Carolina's business leaders and HR executives to discover a pipeline of well-skilled veterans ready to strengthen your team—an unparalleled opportunity to recruit proven talent. This event will launch a two-year initiative to educate and engage the business community on the value of hiring those who have defended our country.

Featuring the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program
Learn about this innovative program that allows service members to gain valuable civilian work experience during their last 180 days of active duty. This is your chance to access a pre-screened talent pipeline before they officially leave the service.

This 2 year pilot program is funded entirely by a $750,000 US Department of Labor grant.

Agenda:

10:30-11:00 am Networking
11:00 -11:45 a.m. Morning session – SkillBridge, what is it? How to successfully utilize this tool to attract and retain top tier military talent. Session led by Lucy Robinson and includes Zoom testimonials from Derick Draiper and Andrew Lewis.
11:45 a.m. Break
12:00 p.m. Lunch + Welcome and Remarks – John Turner, Executive Director, Veterans Life Center
12:15 p.m. – Governor Josh Stein
12:30 p.m. – Senator Thom Tillis
12:45 p.m. Roundtable Discussion – Why Hire a Veteran?
Participants (invited):
- John Turner, Executive Director, Veterans Life Center
- Senator Thom Tillis
- Gary Salamido, CEO, NC Chamber
- Representative Ed Goodwin
- Jamison Smith, Martin Marietta
- Lucy Robinson, SkillBridge Program Specialist
- Chris Moore, Regional Market Executive and President of the Raleigh-Durham Region of First National Bank
  Moderator: David Robinson, Partner, Maynard Nexsen
- Event MC: Brooks Tucker, Former Chief of Staff, Veterans Administration