Company hosts Hiring Our Heroes job fair to identify new employees
With a 90-year tradition of serving the military, Bank of America actively works to attract, develop and retain military service members as employees.
The company recognizes the important skills and experiences they bring to their careers. Since 2011, it has hired nearly 7,000 veterans, guard and reservists, and we are committed to hiring an additional 10,000 over the next several years.
"I do believe that my military experience contributes to my strong work ethic, and I believe Bank of America is a stronger company for all of the veterans that they’ve employed."
—Lacy Dodd Miske, retired U.S. Army Captain and Brigade Logistics Officer at Bank of America
"Transitioning back to civilian life is challenging, but you realize that the skills and leadership that you learned in the military are valuable in corporate America," Lacy Dodd Miske, retired U.S. Army Captain and Brigade Logistics Officer at Bank of America, said. "I do believe that my military experience contributes to my strong work ethic, and I believe Bank of America is a stronger company for all of the veterans that they’ve employed."
As part of its commitment to employing military service members, Bank of America joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Hendrick Motorsports as hosts of "Hiring Our Heroes — Charlotte," a free job fair for veterans, active duty military and military spouses last Thursday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte.
Deontrey Ellis, who served as a paratrooper in the Army, attended the fair and agreed with Miske’s assertion about hiring veterans.
"This event is about giving back to the troops, the soldiers," Ellis said. "They’re trained from the time they go on the bases to be leaders. If there’s a company that wants to hire leadership qualities, then you go to vets. They want to succeed and excel, and that’s what companies want."
Air Force reservist Khaliah Harvey recently graduated with a sociology degree from UNC Charlotte. She appreciated the networking opportunities and varied experiences of participants and recruiters as she takes the next step in her life.
"Transitioning to the civilian sector can be overwhelming," Harvey said. "It’s great to know there are people willing to help the military."
Charlotte-based military members like Harvey are the reasons for a job fair in the Queen City. Hiring Our Heroes explained why it has found a home in Charlotte.
"This city’s commitment to hiring and supporting its veteran and military families is truly admirable," Eric Eversole, executive director of Hiring Our Heroes, said. "It has been wonderful working with Hendrick Motorsports, Bank of America, and all of our great partners to make this vision a reality for our troops."
"Helping service members secure rewarding private-sector employment is critical," Marshall Carlson, president of Hendrick Motorsports, said. "It affects our nation’s veterans, active-duty reserves — like our partners at the National Guard — and their families.
"Charlotte has stepped up in a big way to support Hiring Our Heroes, and we’re grateful to Bank of America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the many employers and volunteers involved. It’s a privilege to stand with others in our community who recognize the importance of this issue and hope to make an impact."
Veterans and military spouses of all ranks and levels of experience attended and were treated to lunch and complimentary tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Brian Daddio, a longtime NASCAR fan, is currently a diesel mechanic in the Army and making plans for when he leaves the service next month.
"I’m looking for an opportunity to change my career path, so it’s great to come here and get a head start on the transition from the military," Daddio said. "Words can’t explain how grateful I am to be able to attend this.
"The Hall of Fame is a cool place to host this event. I’m a huge NASCAR fan and I grew up watching NASCAR. I’ve been to the last three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Charlotte."
Participating companies ranged from America’s largest employers to dozens of smaller companies from across the Charlotte region.
"Our employees who served in the military bring a unique skill set to the table," Charles Bowman, North Carolina and Charlotte market president for Bank of America, said. "They’re natural leaders, quick to adapt and also bring with them a commitment to teamwork. We’ve committed to hiring 10,000 veterans, guard and reservists over the next few years, and are excited to partner with the U.S. Chamber and all of the other companies participating to help bring job opportunities to Charlotte’s veterans and their families."
Bank of America meets its hiring goals with a dedicated team of recruiters who partner with organizations, like Hiring Our Heroes, to identify and secure top talent.
"The bank has recognized early on that the leadership skills and experience that the military veterans bring to the organization are paramount to our success," Lewis Runnion, Director of Military Affairs at Bank of America, said. "They’ve learned risk assessment. They’ve learned influential leadership skills. They’ve learned communication in difficult circumstances. The invaluable things that they bring to us are all those leadership attributes that they’ve learned in the military."
For details on Bank of America’s military and veteran recruiting efforts, visit Militarytransition.bankofamerica.com and see how the company connects with customers, clients and communities on the Bank of America Facebook page and on Twitter at @BofA_Community
