Texas Veteran Commission announces Veteran Employers of the Year

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Veterans Commission’s annual Veteran Employer of the Year awards were approved by Commissioners at their quarterly meeting on May 16, 2024. TVC Veteran Employment Services staff nominate businesses and organizations which demonstrate a strong commitment to employing veterans and leading effective veteran employment initiatives.  

“Thank you to all employers who support hiring veterans. When you hire a veteran, you are gaining an employee with adaptability, capable under pressure, and who will exemplify integrity to your mission,” said Tom Palladino, TVC Executive Director and Army veteran. “Congratulations to our employers of the year—you have embraced veterans as a vital portion of your workforce and implement initiatives that help them succeed in your organization.” 

The following businesses and organizations are recognized for their dedication to veteran employment in 2023. 

Small Employer of the Year NPower, Dallas, Texas 

• Workforce of 26 with 54% veterans and 50% veteran new hires. 
• Provides training to those with barriers to employment. Trains for high demand digital and technology skills jobs.
  

Medium Employer of the Year 

Shadow Systems, LLC, Plano, Texas 

• Workforce of 103 with 24.3% veterans and 22.5% veteran new hires. 
• Designs and manufactures premium firearms and parts.
  

Large Employer of the Year 

BNSF Railway, Fort Worth, Texas 

• Workforce of 36,372 with 19.5% veterans and 29.2% veteran new hires. 
• BNSF Railway is the largest freight railroad in the United States.
  

Small Government Entity of the Year (tie) 

Dallas College – Military Connected Services Department, Dallas, Texas 

• Workforce of 9 with 78% veterans and 100% veteran new hires. 
• Dallas College is one of the largest community colleges in Texas and has partnerships with local businesses. Its Military Connected Services Department provides services for the unique needs of military-connected students and creates a supportive environment . 
  

Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Veterans Leadership Program, Austin, Texas 

• Workforce of 22 with 100% veterans and 100% veteran new hires. 
• Veterans Resource and Referral Specialists across the state help veterans overcome barriers to employment. Additionally, they connect veterans with support services including training, education, health care and counseling.
  

Medium Government Entity of the Year 

North Texas Municipal Water District, Wylie, Texas 

• Workforce of 895 with 8% veterans and 3% veteran new hires. 

• Provides wholesale water, wastewater and solid waste management services to more than two million people in North Texas.
  

Large Government Entity of the Year 

City of Houston – Mayor’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, Houston, Texas 

• The City of Houston workforce of 21,250 consists of 16.1% veterans of which 9.4% are veteran new hires. 
• The Mayor’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs coordinates and facilitates access to veteran employment and resources through Federal, State and local initiatives and programs.
  

Helping veterans starts here. The Texas Veterans Commission advocates for and provides superior service to veterans that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The TVC assists veterans with receiving their benefits, provides funding to agencies which provide direct services to veterans and administers the Hazlewood Act education benefits. Learn more at www.tvc.texas.gov .