Acquiring Talent: Accessing the Hampton Roads Military Community

Sponsored by:

Event time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm

LOCATION: Greenbrier Country Club, 1301 Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Registration: 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. – Noon
Chapter Meeting: 11:50 a.m.
Presentation: Noon – 1 p.m. (*NOTE: Due to HRCI guidelines lunch will not be available after Noon for in-person attendees.)

Register before November 3, 2022
Members: $35
Not Yet Members: $45

Register after November 3, 2022
Members: $45
Not Yet Members: $55
(You must login to register)

HRCI and SHRM recertification credits approved.

This event will only be offered in-person and is maxed at 120 attendees!

Join our panelists for an overview of how the military community, comprised of Veterans and military spouses, is an underutilized asset in Hampton Roads.  Learn about the value Veterans and military spouses bring to organizations, the challenges facing the Hampton Roads community in attracting and retaining military talent, and programs to access transitioning Veterans and military spouses.

Learning Objectives:     

1. Understand the value of Veterans & military spouses.
2. Understand challenges to keeping Veterans and military spouses in Hampton Roads and how to attract and retain them.
3. Learn about programs to access Veterans and military spouses and how to acquire talent.

Agenda:     

• Introductions
• Hampton Roads Business Perspective: Why the Military Family is Important to Building Our Workforce
• Tackling Veteran Employment in the 757 through Veteran’s Transition Service Programs
• DOD SkillBridge Program Overview
• 21^st Century Talent Approach to Talent Acquisition
• Questions and Discussion

About the Speakers:

Jeff Gibson, Oplign

Mr. Gibson has 30+ years of professional and business experience that includes military service, business, and US Government defense contracting. With a degree in Economics and an MBA, Mr. Gibson’s business experience includes a Fortune 100, multinational, diversified, technology, company where he was responsible for strategic planning and company growth, and multiple roles in the US defense industry spanning over 12 years primarily in the services sector leading where he was responsible for the leadership and growth of companies that provided staffing and services support to US Government agencies.

Most recently, Mr. Gibson is a one of the founders of Oplign, which is a data analytics company dedicated to improving how labor data is exchanged between the supply and demand sides of labor—leading to improved and more efficient talent sourcing and workforce development processes.

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CAPT John Malfitano USN (ret), Onward to Upward Program Manager Hampton Roads Area, Institute for Veteran and Military Families (IVMF)

 

John Malfitano retired from military service in September 2016 after serving 30 years active duty with the United States Navy.  A native of Pearl River, New York, he graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Science in 1986.  He was commissioned through the Aviation Officer Candidate School program in 1986, and was designated a Naval Aviator and reported to Norfolk, Virginia for initial fleet training in the E-2C Hawkeye in 1988.  He earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies with Highest Distinction from the Naval War College in 2001, and received the President’s Honor Graduate Award.  During his tenure as Commanding Officer of the VAW-126 Seahawks, his squadron was selected as recipient of the 2005 Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Battle ‘E’ Efficiency Award and the 2005 Commander, Naval Air Forces RADM Frank Akers Award for AEW Excellence.  In 2006, he was selected by his community peers for the Navy-Marine Corps Leadership Award.

Malfitano has served multiple times at sea, completing eight deployments on Atlantic Fleet aircraft carriers, participating in combat operations during Operations DESERT STORM, DESERT FOX, and IRAQI FREEDOM, and has logged over 4,400 flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings.  His final sea duty was from 2011-2013 when he served as Chief of Staff to Commander, Carrier Strike Group EIGHT embarked in USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69).

Ashore, Malfitano served as an instructor pilot and training landing signal officer with the VAW 120 Greyhawks, and attained qualification in the C-2A Greyhound (COD); as Flag Aide-de-camp to the Commander, Naval Training Center Great Lakes; as action officer in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations for the VCNO-chartered information technology study group, Task Force Web; as a Joint Staff Officer for NATO in the Strategic Engagement & Vision Branch at Supreme Allied Commander Transformation; and commanded Naval Station Great Lakes – the Quarterdeck of the Navy.

His final Navy position was as the Fleet & Family Readiness Program Director for Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, where he led over 3,000 staff members of the Fleet & Family Readiness team in providing a full range of quality programs and services that enhance the lives of military service members and their families.

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CAPT Bob McKenna USN (ret), President/CEO, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Has served as the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s President/CEO since March 2018 and is responsible for the daily management and operation of the business development organization, representing five municipalities on the Peninsula. Coordinates the development of public policy, fosters strategic alliances, and serves as liaison with regional military commands and installations. Focused on solutions to business-related challenges through advocacy, facilitation and collaboration with various community entities.

A 1984 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY.

Served for 27 years in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, with service in five ships. He retired as a Captain in 2011 and moved back to Newport News.

Following retirement, he worked for over 6 years as a contractor supporting the US Navy.

Married to Kathy for 36 years and they have raised four productive and patriotic citizens.

Became a grandfather in September of 2020 and desperately wants to live closer to his granddaughter.

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CDR John Wrenn USN (ret), HRSHRM Military Liaison Officer and Vice President of Operations for Ho’olaulima Government Solutions

John Wrenn is a retired career Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) officer, with over 30 plus years leading personnel and organizations.  He is currently the Vice President of Operations for Hoʽolaulima Government Solutions, managing a diverse workforce supporting a variety of government agencies world-wide.  He frequently provides guidance and advice to both public and private organizations on organizational strategy and growth, along with security and Anti-Terrorism/ Force Protection preparedness.  Mr. Wrenn holds a BA in History/Political Science and has a Master’s in Public Affairs (MPA) from the University of Oklahoma, with dual concentrations in finance and management.  His diverse background in both the public and private sector enables him to leverage his strategic planning and leadership experience to assist organizations in creating identify their strategic plans and growing their business around their core focus and strengths.