Governor Josh Stein, along with North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, encouraged employers across the state on Mar. 20 to hire veterans and apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, a recognition program from the U.S. Department of Labor. The application period closes April 30.
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is notable as the only federal-level award recognizing organizations’ efforts in veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. In 2025, a record number of thirty-four North Carolina employers received this award—an increase from twenty-eight in 2024—demonstrating growing support for veterans in the state’s workforce.
“The record number of HIRE Vets awardees from North Carolina in 2025 represents the commitment of this state’s employers to support our military community,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As we strive to be the most military-friendly state, this program is an excellent way for North Carolina’s businesses to demonstrate their eagerness to provide high-quality career opportunities for talented veterans and their families.”
To further connect veterans with employment opportunities at recognized companies, the N.C. Department of Commerce launched an online feature on its NCWorks job search site and Veterans Portal at veterans.ncworks.gov. In 2025 alone, more than 21,000 users visited this portal.
Veterans are considered by state officials as an undertapped talent pool. Governor Stein created the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships in 2025 to enhance workforce development efforts statewide through strategic partnerships among officials, educators, employers, and stakeholders.
“By investing in our military veterans community, North Carolina’s employers are expanding access to workforce opportunities for veterans and assisting in the transition to civilian life,” said Secretary Lee Lilley. “North Carolina is the top state for business and for workforce development because of our people, and we thank the many employers who strengthen that workforce by recognizing the skills and valuable experience veterans bring.”
Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette added: “North Carolina veterans and military families bring leadership, adaptability, and resilience to the workplace every day… We are proud to join forces with others to support veterans and their families and inform businesses about tools like the HIRE Vets program.”
One recipient organization is Charlotte-based nonprofit Veterans Bridge Home (VBH). “At Veterans Bridge Home, we are committed to connecting, leading, and advocating in communities… We are proud to be a recipient of the Platinum HIRE Vets award,” said Blake Bourne,0President & CEO0for VBH.
The Office of Governor serves all residents across North Carolina according to its official website. The governor acts as chief executive officer executing laws while leading both policy direction through budget authority as well as serving as commander-in-chief over National Guard appointments according to its official website. Josh Stein currently serves as North Carolina’s seventy-sixth governor according to its official website.
Looking ahead,0the N.C. Department of Commerce continues partnering with agencies such as NC4ME on special hiring events while employing nearly fifty NCWorks Veteran Services professionals—all themselves former service members—to assist eligible individuals seeking jobs or training throughout local Career Centers statewide.
