Recruiting veterans in the nonprofit sector is a strategic and socially responsible practice that benefits both veterans and mission-driven organizations. Their unique skills, experiences, and values to nonprofit roles, make them valuable assets in achieving organizational goals. On November 9th, 2023, Campbell & Company’s Executive Search Vice President and Former U.S Army Noncommissioned Officer, Christian Cañas, and Former U.S. Naval Officer and nonprofit leader, Branden Marty, will explore the benefits of hiring veterans in the nonprofit sector and provide practical insights into how nonprofit organizations can effectively recruit and support veterans in their workforce.
Branden Marty is a Navy veteran with experiences across a range of challenging environments—from the flight decks on naval vessels to the corporate C-suite to the boot-strapped startup. He is a strategist, a collaborator, and an operator. Branden’s career has been imbued with the same ingredients—a dedication to service and his community.
For example, the Department of the Navy (DoN) asked for Branden’s assistance in submitting a bid from the City of Chicago to host the 2017 Warrior Games. Branden voluntarily led the effort to build public and private sector support and brought DoN leadership to meet with Chicago leaders. It led directly to the awarding of the Games to Chicago.
Veteran advocacy is Branden’s vocation, particularly veteran employment, and wounded warrior support. This passion is reflected in the missions of the two companies he helped lead: Veteran Roasters Cup O’ Joe Coffee and Bridge My Return (BMR). Veteran Roasters is a local Chicago coffee roaster that employs homeless and at-risk veterans— providing them with renewed hope, fresh opportunity, and portable skills development. BMR is an efficient military hiring technology platform connecting veterans and transitioning service members to career opportunities with military-ready companies based upon skills-to-skills matching.
Branden is also the board chair of Kids Rank, a not-for-profit organization for military children that provides them stability and support by nurturing their social and emotional growth through connection, leadership, and community service.
He is currently a management consultant at Point B, a firm based out of Seattle, WA, focused on solving organization’s and the world’s biggest challenges. He resides in Chicago with his wife, Stephanie, and their 3 children.
Christian Cañas serves as Vice President, Executive Search at Campbell & Company. His background spans executive search, operations, staffing & recruiting, and data analytics. He has led professional service firms through operational change, non-profit governance, change management, and external board member searches. Christian takes pride in identifying diverse, dynamic leaders who strive to grow their organizations holistically.
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