"Make it Monday" forum - Workforce Development Resources for Veteran Employers

Join us and moderator, Laura Dean, Certified Military Financial Advisor, for a special "Make it Monday" forum focused on workforce development strategies for employers of veterans. We’ll kick off with key findings from the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s recent Veteran Retention Survey, followed by a panel discussion featuring experts from the VA, Alaska National Guard’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and the Alaska SHRM chapter.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your hiring practices, support Guard and Reserve employees, or better understand the resources available to your business—this is your chance to connect, learn, and lead.

PLUS, a member presentation by Zach Mason of Frontier Tutoring.
 

In 2009, Mr. Verdie Bowen was appointed as Director of the Office of Veterans Affairs by former Governor Sarah Palin. As Director, Mr. Bowen is responsible for the development and establishment of polices and strategic plans that directly affect over 230,000 Alaskans including all Alaska veterans, active duty, reserve components, dependents, and survivors living in the states 348 communities. Recently, Mr. Bowen served nationally as the 70th President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. In this position he provided key testimony for five major pieces of legislation; the most critical being the Veterans Affairs (VA) Modernization Act of 2017 and the VA Mission Act of 2018. FULL BIO
 

Bob Doehl is the State Chair for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense volunteer program that promotes cooperation and understanding between military reserve component servicemembers and their civilian employers. It accomplishes this task by providing education to both servicemembers and employers on their expectations and obligations as well by administering an awards program for employers who go above and beyond to empower their reserve component servicemembers to serve in the military.

When not supporting ESGR, he serves as vice president of operations at the Rasmuson Foundation, a private foundation that leverages its funds to do good in Alaska. He oversees finance, human resources, IT, facilities management, office management, and grants management.

Bob has an extensive career in military and government service. He most recently served as the building official and development services director for the Municipality of Anchorage, focusing on new strategies to increase safe, affordable housing while making permitting systems more efficient. Before that, he served as deputy commissioner for the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. As a special assistant to a United State Senator, Bob concentrated on veterans’ medical, behavioral health and housing needs. He also served as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Alaska. In three decades of military service including in Afghanistan, Bob worked as a medic, military pilot, and commander of several diverse units, as well as the program officer combining the base support functions of Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson. He retired in 2012 as a colonel.

Bob serves on the board of directors for Anchorage Cops for Community and is a public member of the Alaska Legislature’s Joint Armed Services Committee.

Bob has a bachelor’s degree in Russian linguistics from Lawrence University and a law degree from the University of Illinois.

Rachel Ries is a seasoned HR and training professional with over 20 years of experience in workforce development, compliance, and leadership training. She has led cross-functional teams in both civilian and military environments, delivering high-impact programs that improve performance, retention, and organizational efficiency. Rachel holds credentials in Lean Six Sigma and Master Project Management. She is currently a training program manager with the State of Alaska.
 

Josh Zullo drives the implementation of the Choose Anchorage plan, collaborating with community members and business leaders to help shape Anchorage into a premier destination to live, work, and play.

Originally from Philadelphia, he made Anchorage his home in 2016. Since then, Josh has become a local business owner, real estate investor, and active participant in the city’s vibrant music and arts community. His diverse experiences provide a unique perspective on engaging with Anchorage’s culture and fostering its economic and cultural vitality.
 

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