Governor Josh Stein, along with North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, is urging North Carolina employers to hire veterans and apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. The application period for this federal recognition program ends April 30.
The initiative highlights the importance of supporting veterans in the workforce. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award, run by the U.S. Department of Labor, recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to hiring, retaining, and developing veterans. In 2025, a record 34 North Carolina employers received this award, up from 28 in 2024.
“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.”
The N.C. Department of Commerce has developed an online feature on its NCWorks job search site and Veterans Portal that highlights recognized employers. In 2025 alone, more than 21,000 users visited the portal at veterans.ncworks.gov seeking jobs at these companies.
Secretary Lilley said: “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. 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 Mallette added: “North Carolina veterans and military families bring leadership, adaptability, and resilience to the workplace every day, which is why we recently launched a roadshow series to bring together employers, workforce leaders, and community partners to strengthen veteran and military-spouse employment opportunities. We are proud to join forces with the N.C. Department of Commerce and others to support veterans and their families and inform businesses about tools like the HIRE Vets program.”
Employers such as Charlotte-based nonprofit Veterans Bridge Home have been recognized by this program. Blake Bourne, President & CEO for VBH said: “At Veterans Bridge Home, we are committed to connecting, leading, and advocating in communities to ensure service members, veterans and their families thrive… Together we are building stronger communities one veteran at a time.”
The Office of Governor Josh Stein serves as chief executive over all state laws across North Carolina according to its official website. As governor—the state’s seventy-sixth—Stein leads both policy direction through budget oversight as well as serving as commander-in-chief over National Guard forces according also.
Employers interested in applying can visit www.HireVets.gov before April 30 or contact local NCWorks Career Centers listed at www.NCWorks.gov.
