Transitioning Veterans Participate in Intensive Military to Civilian Leadership Transformation Program

To Date, More than 200 Veterans Have Participated in the Exelis and Korn Ferry-Sponsored Initiative

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Through its employee volunteer service program Exelis Action Corps, aerospace and defense company Exelis (NYSE: XLS) has partnered with Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY), the preeminent authority on leadership and talent, to host the fourth cohort of the Leveraging Military Leadership Program (LMLP). This free program helps new veterans apply their leadership experience to civilian positions.

Fifty active and retired members from every branch of the military participated in the March 13-15, 2015 intensive onsite program in Herndon Va. To date, more than 200 veterans have benefited from the experience, which, in addition to the in-residence program, includes pre-work assignments, assessments, e-learning, followed by focused offsite, online, and integrated learning components. The final component is several months of individual 1:1 coaching—the same research-based leadership development services offered by Korn Ferry to senior executives at leading global organizations.

“Regardless of how long an individual wears a military uniform, the transition into the civilian job market can be one of the most daunting experiences in his or her professional career,” said David Albritton, vice president and Chief Communications Officer, Exelis and one of the co-facilitators of the LMLP session for the latest cohort. “The LMLP has proven itself to be a very unique and differentiated opportunity to help these men and women understand and act differently in their pursuit of compelling employment opportunities and the results we’ve had to date are a testament to the success of the model.”

Victoria Bowens, director of Diversity and Inclusion Management for the Department of the Navy and LMLP participant, said she saw clear value in the program. “One of the most important lessons I learned from being part of the LMLP is how to understand and define my priorities,” said Bowens. “Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce in and of itself is a challenge, so it’s incumbent upon veterans to stay focused on their priorities and follow the career path that brings them the most fulfillment.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than one million military service members are projected to leave the military in the coming years. The LMLP teaches veterans how to strengthen their personal, interpersonal and executive communication skills, clearly articulate their unique value, and chart their professional journey based on a strong career strategy.

“Just as our veterans served our country out of a sense of duty and mission, it’s our duty to serve them as they transition out of military life,” said Bernadine Karunaratne, president of Korn Ferry’s U.S. Government Consulting Service. “The LMLP program serves participants like a trusted advisor, guiding them in aligning their values, skills and leadership competencies to fit the needs of the private sector, and talking through career development strategies. Even the best and brightest can benefit from good advice.”

In addition to the programs offered to the first three cohorts during the onsite session, the fourth cohort took part in an evening session on presence and communications, which was contributed by the Ariel Group. They also learned from a panel represented by government agencies, Marriott International, ManTech, and a veteran recruitment firm.

“The Leveraging Military Leadership program continues to expand and evolve,” said Noah Rabinowitz, senior partner and global lead for Executive Leadership Development at Korn Ferry. “There is clearly a need for veterans to get world class transition support as they explore and work on their post-military career decisions. We continue to be honored to work with these engaged and talented professionals as they define and plan a successful transition.”

Plans are underway for the fifth cohort of LMLP.

About Exelis Action Corps

The Exelis Action Corps is the signature volunteer service program for Exelis, a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense, information and services company. Exelis Action Corps is designed to allow nearly 17,000 Exelis employees to give back to their communities by serving military service members, veterans and their families. Exelis leverages a 50-year legacy of deep customer knowledge and technical expertise to deliver affordable, mission-critical solutions for global customers. We are a leader in timing and navigation, sensors, air traffic solutions, image processing and distribution, communications and information systems, logistics and technical services; and we are focused on strategic growth in the areas of critical networks, ISR and analytics, electronic warfare and composite aerostructures. Headquartered in McLean, Va., Exelis employs about 17,000 people and generated 2012 sales of $5.5 billion. For more information, visit our website at www.exelisinc.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is the preeminent authority on leadership and talent. For decades, clients have trusted us to recruit leaders throughout the world. Today we are their partner in designing strategies to accelerate business outcomes through talent. For more information, visit www.kornferry.com.

Korn Ferry
Tracy Kurschner, (612) 309-3957
Tracy.Kurschner@KornFerry.com

Source: Korn Ferry

Released April 2, 2015