In 2013, I joined the newly rebranded Operation: Job Ready Veterans (OJRV) as Marketing and Communications Director during a pivotal transition period. The organization, which began as the Crane Learning and Employment Center for Veterans with Disabilities in 2007, was expanding its mission to serve all veterans and had recently relocated its headquarters to Indianapolis. My role was to establish the organization’s first professional communications infrastructure and develop strategic messaging that would support OJRV’s evolved mission of bridging transitional gaps for veterans, service members, and military families.

Key Challenges and Solutions

• Brand Transformation: Established OJRV’s new professional identity following its name change, creating cohesive branding that resonated with military culture while appealing to civilian employers.
• Digital Foundation: Designed and launched the organization’s first professional website and created comprehensive promotional materials tailored to different stakeholder groups.
• Multimedia Development: Produced compelling video content and professional presentations that effectively communicated veteran success stories and program benefits.
• Military-Civilian Translation: Worked alongside career military professionals to translate complex military terminology into accessible language for employer and donor audiences.

Impact and Results

The communications infrastructure I developed helped OJRV successfully establish its expanded identity, increase program participation, and build stronger relationships with employers and donors. This work laid the groundwork for the organization’s future expansion into additional Midwestern states, supporting its mission of positively impacting veterans’ career transitions one person, one business, and one community at a time.