Expand Your Talent Pool By Hiring Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
The Military Hiring Academy (MHA) aims to provide businesses with training and experiences to find, hire, and retain military talent (veterans, service members leaving the military, and military spouses).
This program will provide participating employers with:
- Strategies to find, hire, and retain military-connected talent
- Insight into translating military skills and experience to civilian roles
- Guidance on creating inclusive, supportive workplaces that promote veteran integration and retention
- Tools to address workforce needs through a highly skilled and disciplined talent pool
- Connections to veteran service organizations and support resources
- Completion of the Society for Human Resource Management “Veterans at Work” certificate
With labor shortages affecting industries across Kentucky, military-connected talent offers a proven, skilled workforce ready to contribute. The Military Hiring Academy equips employers with practical tools, resources, and partnerships to successfully hire and support veterans while strengthening their organizations and communities. Whether your organization is new to veteran hiring or looking to enhance existing efforts, this Academy supports employers in building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
Upcoming Military Hiring Academy - July 14-15, 2026
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation invites employers to participate in a Military Hiring Academy on July 14–15, 2026, at Fort Campbell. This two-day program is designed for employers seeking guidance on recruiting, hiring, and retaining military-connected talent, including veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. Attendees will gain practical insight into translating military skills to civilian roles, navigating veteran hiring considerations, and creating supportive workplaces that promote successful integration and retention. Participants will also complete the Society for Human Resource Management “Veterans at Work” certificate. SHRM professional development credits available.
Military Hiring Academy Graduates:
COHORT I | ||
| Clayton Abernathy, Gray Construction | Melanie Hatfield, Connected Nation | Kathy Moran, Seven Counties Services |
| Brittany Allison, Willett Company | Sonya Hendrix, WPT Nonwovens | Alex O’Daniel, UPS |
| Tina Chesher, UPS | Janette Hodges, Central Bank | Jeania Perry, Appalachian Wireless |
| Ava Childers, Appalachian Regional Healthcare | Arielle Hummel, Transit Authority of River City | Ruben Ramos, FEAM Aero |
| Merrick Coleman, Galls | Tina Jasper, AE Electrical Solutions | Kyle Reid, Safran Landing Systems |
| Martin David, University of Kentucky | Kim Jones, KCTCS | Alexis Rose, Link Belt |
| Nicole Davis, Appalachian Regional Healthcare | Susan Kinnett, Transit Authority of River City | Renwick Ross, DC Elevator |
| William DeVries, AE Electrical Solutions | Roni Lucas, IEC of the Bluegrass | Patty Sebree, Commonwealth Credit Union |
| Rachelle Druffel, MGP Ingredients | Kimberly Mallory, University of Louisville | Patrick Smith, KYSHRM |
| Amy Duncan, KCTCS | Rachel Manzullo, UK Federal Credit Union | Danita Taylor, KYSHRM |
| Courtney Emery, Four Roses | Christy McGuire, Centre College | Machelle Taylor, Gray Construction |
| Rebekah Evans, DC Elevator | Gayle Milam, Republic Bank | Lesley Thompson, Toyota Boshoku |
COHORT II | ||
| Karen Bahl, CVG | Amy Isola, KYSHRM | Dante Simpson, Norton Healthcare |
| Heather Ballinger, The Ridge Behavioral Health Systems | Christopher Jarvis, Atlas Air | Abbi Sims, Four Roses Distillery |
| Brianna Bell, TARC | Felicia Juett, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet | Adrian Tzrop, Omni Louisville Hotel |
| Damaris Booth, Winterwood, Inc. | Hunter Killen, Lifeline HomeCare | Emily West, Pine Bluff Materials |
| Tanya Brady, Lifeline HomeCare | Lisa LaFon, University of Kentucky King's Daughters | Katelyn Wickstrom, Sargent and Greenleaf |
| Melissa Fuqua, TARC | Ashley McNeil, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky | Katherine Williams, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet |
| Timothy Gaillard, UK Healthcare | Krista Miller, Jennie Stuart Health | |
Thank You to Our Sponsor!
Bronze Sponsor
For questions about Hiring Academy sponsorship opportunities, contact LaKisha Miller at lmiller@kychamber.com.