Ross Dickman is an exemplary leader whose military service and nonprofit impact make him an outstanding candidate for the Veteran of the Year® Award. After 12 years of service as a U.S. Army officer and Apache helicopter pilot—including two deployments to Iraq—Ross earned distinguished honors such as the Air Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Combat Action Badge for his courage and leadership in combat and beyond.
As CEO of Hire Heroes USA, the nation’s leading veteran and military spouse employment nonprofit, Ross has guided the organization through transformative growth and impact. Under his leadership, Hire Heroes USA has helped more than 100,000 veterans and military spouses secure meaningful civilian employment, providing free, personalized career coaching, resume support, interview preparation, mentoring, and workforce transition services across all 50 states.
Ross’s strategic vision has elevated the organization’s reach and reputation, evidenced by key partnerships and initiatives—such as national collaborations and visibility through campaigns, including a 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series partnership to raise awareness of veteran employment needs. He also represents the veteran community in policy and public forums, advocating for improved transition assistance programs that better serve service members and their families.
Beyond organizational achievements, Ross holds advanced degrees in organizational psychology, leadership, and business, reinforcing his commitment to data-informed, human-centered service delivery. His leadership has not only transformed Hire Heroes USA into a best-in-class national resource but has also created lasting opportunities for veterans to thrive in civilian careers—strengthening families, communities, and the broader workforce.
Ross Dickman embodies the spirit of service, innovation, and impact that this award celebrates.
