NextOp and Bechtel Forge Partnership to Support Veteran Employment

Jun 4

NEW ORLEANS — NextOp is partnering with Bechtel, an engineering, procurement, construction, and project management company, to bolster veteran hiring initiatives and provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who have served their country.

Through this strategic partnership, Bechtel will engage with NextOp to streamline the veteran hiring process to ensure that qualified candidates have access to career opportunities within the company.

“Bechtel recognizes the unique skills, experiences, and leadership qualities that veterans bring to the table and is committed to supporting their transition into civilian roles,” said Maurissa Douglas Rogers, Manager of Functions - Bechtel Energy. “We are committed to investing in people and creating rewarding career opportunities. Our partnership with NextOp takes this to the next level as we ramp up the resources required to attract, train, and retain veterans in the construction industry.”

As part of the partnership, Bechtel will work closely with NextOp to identify potential job openings and assist service members with navigating the application process. Bechtel will gain access to NextOp’s highly diverse and skilled veteran talent pool and have opportunities to attend military recruitment events on bases. By working directly with NextOp to establish their requirements and participate in activities that lead to hiring, employers can grow their workforce with talented, skilled, dedicated workers and improve career opportunities for transitioning military and veteran job seekers.

“Bechtel plays a critical role in some of the most significant construction projects worldwide, spanning from infrastructure development to energy solutions. These projects demand a highly skilled workforce capable of tackling complex challenges and delivering exceptional results,” said Shelby Mounts, NextOp Executive Director. “This partnership demonstrates Bechtel's commitment to supporting veterans and recognizes the value and skills service members bring to their workforce and culture.”

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About NextOp
NextOp is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to recruit, develop and place high-performing enlisted veterans into industry careers. NextOp’s goal is to bridge the gap between the military and industries in need of diverse and skilled talent. For over 10 years NextOp has worked to place over 4,000 veterans into meaningful careers. For more information, visit https://nextopvets.org/

About Bechtel
Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. For more than 125 years, extraordinary teams at Bechtel have been bringing to life inspiring projects, building a legacy of leadership, innovation, and progress.

Bechtel serves customers in the Energy; Infrastructure; Manufacturing & Technology; Mining & Metals; and Nuclear, Security & Environmental markets. Since 1898, we have delivered more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on every continent. Today, our projects are supporting the global energy transition, providing vital transportation connections, supplying critical minerals, expanding advanced manufacturing, and strengthening national security infrastructure.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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