These advocates work tirelessly to help veterans succeed in the civilian workplace. Get to know who they are, what they do, and how they advocate for the veteran community.
Hal Pittman is a Director, Defense Media Activity at US Department of Defense. He was a Rear Admiral (O-7) in the Navy, 1983-2012.
Champion’s Reaction:
“I’m humbled to be included among this group of leaders doing important work on behalf of our precious veterans. Two organizations I helped create – Veterans in Energy and the Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers – have done some heavy lifting in the veteran workforce development space, where connecting transitioning veterans with career opportunities is king. Hiring veterans is not about corporate social responsibility—it just makes great business sense.”
Champion’s Job Responsibilities:
Retired Navy Rear Admiral Hal Pittman has spent a lifetime serving others – first while serving in uniform with the U.S. Navy for nearly 30 years, then serving the Arizona and national veterans’ community for seven years, and now serving the Department of Defense as a senior executive civilian since January 2021.
Why Pittman was nominated for the Veteran Champions of the Year in Corporate America Award:
A Champion for Veterans in Arizona: Between 2014 and 2021, Pittman used his drive and innovation while serving as a champion for multiple veteran employment/workforce development causes. The Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers: In 2016, Pittman and the General Manager of USAA Phoenix established a free-standing council of companies – the Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers focused on sharing veteran employment, workforce development and hiring best practices in Arizona. • Developed charter/created partnerships with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services & Arizona Coalition for Military Families. • Sponsored 2016 statewide Military Immersion Training (MIT) for 40+ employers • Partnered with the governor’s office on the 2017 “Veteran Career Year” proclamation. • Partnered w/HeroZona Foundation on 2017/2018/2019 national veteran business conferences. • Sponsored Cisco CyberVETSUSA online training/certification in Arizona. • Partnered with Arizona Chamber, creating veteran Fellows with Industry program. • National spokesman for Universal Occupational Licensing. • Developed AZCCVC veteran employee resource guidebook for 200+ companies. Veterans in Energy: Nationally, Pittman established Veterans in Energy – 501(c)(3) for the energy industry for veterans in electricity, oil & gas, nuclear power, pipelines, water utilities, government and energy trade organizations. • Established VIE BoD, led elections, developed by-laws. • Led effort for 501c3 status. • Developed content for four national conferences. • Led fundraising in 2017/2018/2019/2020 • Master of ceremonies for conferences, reaching thousands. • Recruited executive speakers GEN David Petraeus; Secretary of Energy Rick Perry (twice); Gen John Allen; LTG H.R. McMaster; RDML John Kirby, LTG Bob Ashley; CDR Kirk Lippold and more. Arizona Public Service: From 2014 to 2021, Pittman was also the key driver of Arizona Public Service’s Veteran Employee Resource Group monthly activities, including volunteer programs, veterans’ events and charity. Efforts include: • Hosted ESGR training at APS twice; • Hosted Four-Block training/orientation • Led monthly veteran volunteers at Play It Forward arts programs • Created annual Veterans Day Ceremony (2014-2020) in Central Phoenix, attended by U.S. Senators John McCain (2014 & 2016) and Jon Kyl (2018); • Participated/sponsored 2017/2018 Hiring our Heroes employment conferences • Earned top DoD recognition for employment of National Guard/Reserve – DoD Freedom Award • Received three DOL HIREVets Platinum Medallion Awards. • Created virtual Veteran Leadership Speaker series during COVID, hosting 15 virtual training and professional development events between April 2020 and January 2021 with Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, HeroZona Foundation, and Goldwater Institute. • In 2019, Pittman was honored by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, receiving the Governor’s Lifetime Community Service Award, and in 2020, he was elected to the Arizona Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Not surprisingly during the unsettling pandemic year, Pittman was approached about returning to government – which he did in early 2021, accepting a Senior Executive Service role leading the Defense Media Activity at Fort Meade, MD, a 1500-employee organization that delivers media products and services – American Forces Network television and radio, internet content, published magazines and more – to the 2.6 million military service members, reservists and Department of Defense employees worldwide.
