Non-profit on target to exceed expectations in 2024
NEW ORLEANS — NextOp, the nonprofit dedicated to recruiting, developing and placing high-performing, enlisted veterans into meaningful careers, placed 669 veterans and transitioning service members in 2023. With an average starting salary of $66,000, it proved to be the nonprofit’s most successful year since its founding in 2014.
“Last year was a pivotal year for our organization,” said Shelby Mounts, executive director of NextOp. “In 2023, we not only exceeded the previous annual record of veterans served by 65, but also cut down the average number of days to place a candidate into a job from 42 to 37. This year, we are growing in a sustainable way through geographic expansion that enables us to assist a greater number of talented individuals with career opportunities.”
Through one-on-one mentorship, NextOp helps veterans and transitioning service members understand how their training and experiences translate into valuable qualifications in the workforce after their military commitment. Only about 25% of transitioning service members have a new job secured before leaving the military. NextOp actively works with company recruiters and corporate leadership to ensure that the translation of military skills to civilian experience is not a barrier for veterans when being considered for the workforce.
Mounts added, “In Louisiana, we crossed the all-time milestone of placing 1,000 candidates in careers while hiring a Ochsner Health military recruiter as part of the Delta Regional Authority WORC IV grant implementation in 2023. We also received the 2023 Platinum Hire Vets Medallion from the US Department of Labor, which is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention and professional development.”
Supporting the community NextOp serves is a fundamental aspect of the nonprofit’s goals. In New Orleans last year, NextOp hosted three community events including its third annual Vet Together at Chafunkta Brewery, Army-Navy game watch party at The Tchoup Yard and the Louisiana Veteran Employment Summit.
So far in 2024, NextOp is on target to exceed 2023 numbers already having placed 121 skilled veterans and transitioning service members in jobs. Additionally, it recently secured an agreement with the BlueForge Alliance, a nonprofit that supports the US Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) to place 100 enlisted veterans in SIB careers.
To find out more information about NextOp please visit, nextopvets.org
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