Hire Heroes USA announces 25 recipients of The Ripple Effect: Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program. National program provides funding, employer training, and long-term support to help veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses grow and hire within the military community. ALPHARETTA, Ga. (July 13, 2026) - Hire Heroes USA today announced the 25 recipients of its inaugural Ripple Effect Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program, a national initiative designed to strengthen veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses and expand employment opportunities across the military community. Powered by Ripple, the leading provider of blockchain-based enterprise solutions across traditional and digital finance, the program is investing a total of $250,000 in growth capital, awarding $10,000 grants to each selected business. In addition to funding, recipients also receive Hire Heroes USA's Certified Veteran Employer training, employer resources, and ongoing support to help scale their businesses, build veteran-ready workplaces, and connect with military-connected talent. "Veteran and military spouse-owned businesses are a critical source of innovation, job creation, and economic opportunity," said Jonathan Perri, Director of Social Impact at Ripple. "This program, powered by Ripple's RLUSD donation to Hire Heroes USA, is a direct investment in entrepreneurs who are committed to hiring from the military community and building businesses that last." The program is designed to support small- to mid-sized businesses that are at least 51 percent owned by a U.S. military veteran or military spouse, operate in the United States, and demonstrate a commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses within the next 12 to 18 months. Grant recipients also receive: * Hire Heroes USA Certified Veteran Employer training * Direct access to more than 20,000 military-connected job seekers * Career fair participation and employer spotlight opportunities * Eligibility to pursue recognition as a Hire Heroes USA Certified Veteran Employer The Ripple Effect: Certified Veteran Employer Grants Program combines grant funding with employer training and workforce development resources to help veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses grow while expanding employment opportunities across the military community. By investing in both business growth and hiring capacity, the program helps participating employers build veteran-ready workplaces and create lasting economic impact. "Veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses are creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and bringing invaluable leadership to communities across the country," said James Gillen, Chief Development Officer at Hire Heroes USA. "Through our partnership with Ripple, we're investing in entrepreneurs who are committed to hiring from the military community and equipping them with the funding, training, and resources to build veteran-ready workplaces. Together, we're creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact on veterans, military spouses, their families, and the businesses they help grow." About Hire Heroes USA Hire Heroes USA is a nonprofit organization that empowers transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. Through individualized career coaching, professionally written resumes, mentoring, workshops, a job board, and career fairs, we support thousands of job-seeking veterans and military spouses each year - at no cost to them. Since 2005, over 120,000 clients have secured meaningful employment through Hire Heroes USA services. Funded exclusively through public donations and federal and private grants, we remain committed to delivering high-impact, free career services to veterans and military spouses. Hire Heroes USA prioritizes transparency and accountability, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. For more information, visit hireheroesusa.org. About Ripple Founded in 2012, Ripple is the leading provider of blockchain-based enterprise solutions across traditional and digital finance. Its solutions span global payments, custody, liquidity, and treasury management, serving as a one-stop shop for moving, storing, exchanging, and managing value. Ripple's stablecoin, RLUSD, and the cryptocurrency XRP underpinning these solutions allow Ripple and its customers to shape the modern financial system.

Hire Heroes USA launches national CEO search as Ross Dickman announces departure. Hire Heroes USA June 22, 2026 ALPHARETTA, Ga. (June 22, 2026) - Hire Heroes USA announced today that Chief Executive Officer Ross Dickman will depart the organization in mid-July, after more than a decade of service to the organization and its mission to support U.S. veterans and military spouses. Dickman has held several leadership roles at Hire Heroes USA, including Program Director, COO, and CEO. During his tenure, the organization expanded its impact, surpassed 120,000 lifetime hires for veterans and military spouses, and led significant investments in technology, program innovation, and service delivery. "Ross has been an important member of Hire Heroes USA's leadership team for many years, and we are grateful for his service and contributions to the organization," said Brian Stann, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "During his tenure, Hire Heroes USA expanded its impact and strengthened its ability to serve veterans and military spouses nationwide. As we begin the search for Hire Heroes USA's next CEO, the Board is committed to a thoughtful process that builds on the organization's strong foundation and positions Hire Heroes USA for continued growth and impact." Dickman is working closely with leadership to ensure a smooth transition. The Board of Directors has engaged an executive search firm to conduct a national search for the organization's next CEO. Following Dickman's departure, Hire Heroes USA's senior leadership team will work in partnership with the Board to maintain continuity across programs, services, and strategic priorities while the search is underway. "While leadership transitions naturally bring change, our commitment to the military community remains constant," said Charlotte Creech, Chief Program Officer. "We have an experienced leadership team, dedicated staff, and a strong foundation in place. Our focus remains on empowering veterans and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce and ensuring they continue to receive the high-quality support and resources they deserve." Hire Heroes USA will continue delivering its full range of services throughout the leadership transition, with no interruption to veterans and military spouses seeking support. As the search moves forward, Hire Heroes USA remains focused on building on its momentum, advancing its strategic priorities, and expanding its impact for veterans and military spouses in the years ahead. About Hire Heroes USA Hire Heroes USA is a nonprofit organization that empowers transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. Through individualized career coaching, professionally written resumes, mentoring, workshops, a job board, and career fairs, we support thousands of job-seeking veterans and military spouses each year - at no cost to them. Since 2005, over 120,000 clients have secured meaningful employment through Hire Heroes USA services. Funded exclusively through public donations and federal and private grants, we remain committed to delivering high-impact, free career services to veterans and military spouses. Hire Heroes USA prioritizes transparency and accountability, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. For more information, visit hireheroesusa.org.

Hire Heroes USA launches national CEO search as Ross Dickman announces departure. ALPHARETTA, Ga. (June 22, 2026) - Hire Heroes USA announced today that Chief Executive Officer Ross Dickman will depart the organization in mid-July, after more than a decade of service to the organization and its mission to support U.S. veterans and military spouses. Dickman has held several leadership roles at Hire Heroes USA, including Program Director, COO, and CEO. During his tenure, the organization expanded its impact, surpassed 120,000 lifetime hires for veterans and military spouses, and led significant investments in technology, program innovation, and service delivery. "Ross has been an important member of Hire Heroes USA's leadership team for many years, and we are grateful for his service and contributions to the organization," said Brian Stann, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "During his tenure, Hire Heroes USA expanded its impact and strengthened its ability to serve veterans and military spouses nationwide. As we begin the search for Hire Heroes USA's next CEO, the Board is committed to a thoughtful process that builds on the organization's strong foundation and positions Hire Heroes USA for continued growth and impact." Dickman is working closely with leadership to ensure a smooth transition. The Board of Directors has engaged an executive search firm to conduct a national search for the organization's next CEO. Following Dickman's departure, Hire Heroes USA's senior leadership team will work in partnership with the Board to maintain continuity across programs, services, and strategic priorities while the search is underway. "While leadership transitions naturally bring change, our commitment to the military community remains constant," said Charlotte Creech, Chief Program Officer. "We have an experienced leadership team, dedicated staff, and a strong foundation in place. Our focus remains on empowering veterans and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce and ensuring they continue to receive the high-quality support and resources they deserve." Hire Heroes USA will continue delivering its full range of services throughout the leadership transition, with no interruption to veterans and military spouses seeking support. As the search moves forward, Hire Heroes USA remains focused on building on its momentum, advancing its strategic priorities, and expanding its impact for veterans and military spouses in the years ahead. About Hire Heroes USA Hire Heroes USA is a nonprofit organization that empowers transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. Through individualized career coaching, professionally written resumes, mentoring, workshops, a job board, and career fairs, we support thousands of job-seeking veterans and military spouses each year - at no cost to them. Since 2005, over 120,000 clients have secured meaningful employment through Hire Heroes USA services. Funded exclusively through public donations and federal and private grants, we remain committed to delivering high-impact, free career services to veterans and military spouses. Hire Heroes USA prioritizes transparency and accountability, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. For more information, visit hireheroesusa.org.