| Our Team |
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Hire Heroes USA is absolutely a team effort. The experienced and dedicated professionals on staff each play a vital role in the success of the Hire Heroes USA organization. The HHUSA team is truly honored for the opportunity to serve our Heroes. To send an email to a team member, click on the recipient's name. Contacts:
For media inquiries, please contact Allison Herbst Brian Stann - President Allison Herbst - Director of Finance and Administration Michael Blankenbeker - Associate, Veteran Programs James McGuire - Associate, Veteran Programs Marcus Shumpert - Associate, Veteran Programs Katie Wyatt - Director, Corporate Relations and Development Matthew Vieson - Associate, Corporate Relations and Development Melinda Freels - Corporate Staffing Specialist Brian is excited about the opportunity to lead the Hire Heroes USA team and looks forward to the continued success of the program.
Nathan Smith, Executive Director
Nate believes wholeheartedly in creating the next opportunity for our transitioning combat veterans.
Michelle Saunders, Director, Veteran Programs
Katie Wyatt, Director, Corporate Relations and Development
Katherine "Katie" McLain Wyatt, Director of Corporate Relations & Development is responsible for the organization’s corporate outreach, stewardship, fundraising, event planning and public relations efforts. Ms. Wyatt received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the College of Charleston in 2006. She then went on to earn a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management at Florida State University's Askew School of Public Administration and Policy. While pursuing her MPA, she served as Communication and Development Assistant at the Governor's Volunteer Florida Foundation now deemed, Florida's Foundation, in Tallahassee, Florida. There she collaborated with the Executive Office of the Governor, assisted with planning and developing sponsorships for statewide events, and maintained the donor database. In her most recent position as the Director of Development & Communications for the Warrick Dunn Family Foundation, she oversaw all aspects of public relations and development, including fundraising, sponsorships, social media, public appearances and media relations. Ms. Wyatt was actively involved in leadership roles and community service activities around the Tampa Bay area before relocating to Atlanta in January of 2011. She managed the public relations efforts for the Junior League of Tampa's " Capture the Coast" cookbook debut, held a seat on the Historic Hyde Park Home Tour Committee, served on the College of Charleston's Pan-Hellenic Executive Board as the Special Events Chair, and as her chapter's Vice President of New Member Education for Kappa Delta Sorority. She is currently a member of the Junior League of Atlanta and actively volunteers with Kate’s Cub, an organization that empowers children and teens facing life after the death of a parent or sibling.
Jerry was originally hired at HPS as an Assistant Director in contract negations and marketing. During his 31 years for the organization he was promoted to Vice President of Contracting and also became an active participant with local and national professional associations. The last 13 years at HPS he served as the President and CEO. During the 31 years HPS grew from 8 staff to 37 and from a two state service area to now 15 states. The membership expanded tremendously in size and diversity of makeup allowing HPS to grow and diversify in a consolidating world of acute care hospitals. Upon his retirement, Jerry received a special tribute from the Governor of Michigan for his service to hospitals and other non-profit state funded organizations, a special recognition award from the MHA (Michigan Health and Hospital Association) for his dedication to healthcare and human services in the state, and numerous professional association awards and recognition including recognition of his service on the Healthcare Group Purchasing Association Board of Trustees. Jerry is very excited about having a part in the Hire Heroes USA mission and is honored to serve those who served us so well.
Allison Herbst, Director of Finance and Administration  Allison Herbst relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 2001. Allison has a strong background in the advertising industry and has managed advertising campaigns and constructed marketing programs for various media outlets to include web directories, newspapers, magazines and yellow pages, both in print and online. She earned a B.S. in Marketing and an Associates degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from The Fashion Institute of Technology, S.U.N.Y., in New York City. After a career in advertising, Allison wanted to utilize her sales, marketing and administrative experience for a cause that was rewarding both professionally and personally. Believing strongly in the mission of this organization, Allison joined the Hire Heroes USA team in July 2007.
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Brian comes to HHUSA from the United States Marine Corps, having left active duty in May 2008 as a Captain. He received his commission through the United States Naval Academy, where he excelled in football as a linebacker and earned a degree in Economics. Brian's military career included two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Infantry Officer in both the Al Qaim and Habbiniyah regions. In recognition of his valiant actions during an ambush by Iraqi insurgents, Brian was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third highest military honor. 
Nate joined HHUSA in May 2010 after seven years of leadership, operational planning, and problem-solving experience as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated with distinction from the Virginia Military Institute in 2003 with a degree in International Studies and Political Science. 
Michelle Saunders joined HHUSA with eleven years of experience in management, serving as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Since retirement from the military, Michelle has worked as an employment consultant, benefits liaison and transitioning programs specialist for the Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training (VETS). She has a broad knowledge of federal laws, regulations and polices regarding private work incentives and other employment support programs. Michelle holds an undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and is currently an MBA candidate. A decorated OIF veteran, she earned the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart. Michelle remains at the forefront of advocacy for returning veterans, making great contributions to the cause. 
Jerry Welsh joined HHUSA after 31 years at HPS, a large group purchasing organization serving the Midwest to Florida. Jerry served in the USAF from 1971 through 1975 being promoted to a sergeant and upon leaving used the GI Bill for a B.S. in Business from Montana State University and later 3 classes short of his Masters at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Further post graduate studies in process improvement were completed at the Broad School of Executive Management at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan.
