How to be a Leader in the Civilian World
It’s no secret that corporate leadership and military leadership are two different worlds, but with the right preparation, the move from military to corporate can be seamless. In this talk with Chris Rogers, veteran and Senior Technical Account Manager at Cribl, he’ll share his experience, explain the skill set differences between military and civilian leadership, and how you can market yourself for your next corporate leadership role.
Chris Rogers (He/Him)
Chris Rogers is a Senior Technical Account Manager at Cribl, a software company that enables open observability and defies data gravity, giving their customers radical levels of choice and control over their data. Previously, Chris held the position of Leader, Customer Delivery at Cisco where he was in charge of US Support for Thousandeyes and a senior technical lead for the ThousandEyes Mexico City team. Prior to this, Chris also worked as an internal tools developer at Apple. He served from 2004-2006 in the USAFR at Barksdale AFB, LA and from 2006-2010 with the U.S. Army at Ft. Stewart/Hunter AAF, GA. Chris was deployed from 2007-2008 with OIF V as part of the Iraq War Troop Surge of 2007. Chris graduated from CSU-Sacramento with a B.S. in Computer Science and minor in Mathematics.
Warrior Canine Connection
In this fireside chat, Sarah DelCore, Veteran and Military Services Manager at Warrior Canine Connection, will dive into the incredible bond between veterans and service dogs, and how this unique relationship is transforming lives. With her expertise in supporting veterans through the healing power of canine companionship, Sarah will share how Warrior Canine Connection’s innovative programs help veterans overcome PTSD and other challenges while providing a sense of purpose and independence. She’ll also discuss the powerful impact of training service dogs, where veterans not only gain valuable skills but also form deep connections with their canine partners. This conversation promises to be both heartwarming and enlightening, showcasing how service dogs are more than just companions—they’re life-changers for our veterans.
Sarah Delcore
Sarah DelCore is a Marine Corps Veteran and Social Worker at Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Her role within the organization is assisting Veterans who are interested in receiving their own Service Dog through the application and matching process. Once matched with their Service Dog, Sarah and her team do regular check-ins to help ensure the success of each pairing. Sarah also assists with WCC's unique Mission-Based-Trauma-Recovery program, helping Veterans and Military Family members heal through the power of dogs.
Tech-Ready Veterans: Building a Future with NPower
Looking to transition into a career in tech? Discover how NPower is transforming the career paths of veterans and active service members by launching them into the world of technology with the guidance of Sergey Zabarin, National Recruitment and Admissions Manager. In this fireside chat, Sergey shares how NPower’s unique blend of training, mentorship, and job placement empowers veterans to leverage their skills in impactful tech roles. He’ll dive into the unique strengths veterans bring to the industry and how NPower’s tailored programs unlock their potential. Sergey will also highlight inspiring stories of veterans who have transitioned into fulfilling tech careers through NPower’s support. If you want to level up your career, this is the talk for you.
Sergey Zabarin
As a Marine Corps veteran, Tech Fundamentals graduate, and the National Recruitment and Admissions Manager for NPower, Sergey is dedicated to helping young adults and veterans launch fulfilling careers in technology. After completing his deployment to Iraq, Sergey faced challenges transitioning to a civilian career. With an infantry MOS (0351), he felt he lacked relevant experience for many roles, ultimately working as a security guard before becoming a night shift security supervisor at a major New York hospital. When the pandemic hit, he realized he didn’t want to be confined to security work and left the job without any prospects. He discovered NPower through a VA newsletter and completed their Tech Fundamentals program, where he learned how to translate his military skills into management roles. This led to a project coordinator position at the NY Hall of Science, where he assisted with recovery efforts after Hurricane Ida. During this time, Sergey learned about an opportunity to join NPower as a recruitment manager. Utilizing the interviewing and resume skills he gained from the program, he secured the role. He has since been promoted to oversee recruitment operations for the organization and is passionate about sharing this life-changing opportunity with the veteran community.
Mission: Career Transition – Navigating Civilian Success with Insights from a Navy Veteran and Tech Leader
Expedia Group’s Jordan Rusk, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Submarine Officer, sits down for a fireside chat where he shares valuable insights for veterans navigating career transitions into civilian roles. Drawing on his own experience in service and at Expedia Group, where he now leads as Senior Director of People Technology, Jordan emphasizes the importance of leveraging military skills in project management and leadership to succeed in corporate environments. Jordan will share tips on building strong professional networks, navigating successful transitions, finding meaningful mentors and much more. His message is clear: by strategically applying military skills and embracing networking, veterans can find fulfilling roles in the private sector.
Jordan Rusk
Jordan graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a Submarine Officer until 2017. After the Navy, Jordan joined Expedia Group and has held a variety of roles including Project Management and Team Leadership and is currently the Senior Director of People Technology. Outside of his day job, Jordan has also had the opportunity to do a several rotations on Expedia Group’s VETS board (IBG) and as a Trustee of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association.
Empowering Heroes at Home: The Hope For The Warriors Journey
Join us for an insightful fireside chat with Erin Lester, Head of Operations and Warrior Experience for Hope For The Warriors, as she sheds light on the vital support needed for both active-duty military members around the world and those transitioning to civilian life. Erin will discuss the growing demand for assistance among military families, with Hope For The Warriors continuing to break intake records each month as more families seek help. She’ll dive into the critical programs designed to support service members and their families, focusing on how they ease the transition process and provide the necessary resources for success. As we acknowledge the unique challenges faced by both active-duty personnel and veterans, Erin will highlight the importance of community and tailored support.
Erin Lester
Fueled by the desire to support Service Members, Veterans and Military Spouses, Erin has spent more than 20 years addressing the critical needs of our nation’s military and their families.
Erin serves as the Head of Operations and Warrior Experience at Hope For The Warriors. Each day is an opportunity to deliver proven solutions that improve the lives of veterans and military families. HOPE’s direct support to military families positively impacts the financial wellness, mental health and social supports military families need today.
As a military spouse, Erin enjoys serving her military community. After several deployments, two kids, and many PCS moves, she is proud to be a member of the HOPE family.