In the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Pamplin's Master of Science in Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management (MSBA-HTM) program led its first Hospitality Career Pathways Event for Military-Connected Professionals on June 13 at the university’s Alexandria campus.

Spearheaded by Dr. Kristin Lamoureux, MSBA-HTM Director, in collaboration with the Pamplin Graduate Programs team, the event welcomed active-duty service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents to explore careers in hospitality, tourism, and event management. Lamoureux emphasized how veterans' leadership, technical, and operational skills translate well into roles in areas like analytics, cybersecurity, facilities, and IT.

Keynote speaker Nick Woollen, a Navy veteran and Vice President of Engineering & Facilities at Marriott International, shared his transition story and how values such as service and adaptability align with the hospitality sector.

A panel of military-connected professionals followed, offering firsthand insight into career pivots, challenges, and successes:

Panelists included:

  • Bob McDonald (Moderator), Managing Director, MAM Hospitality Asset Management; HTM Advisory Board Chair
  • Philip Brown, Senior Manager of Insights & Analytics, Hilton International
  • Jillian Heltzel, VP of HR, Founding Farmers Group
  • Maureen Devine-Ahl, Director of Community Impact, Dog Tag Bakery
  • Jana Moser Moore, Director of Veteran Services, Virginia Tech
  • Glenn Macher, Special Operations Manager, MGM Resorts International (Retired USAF)
  • Debbie Bradbard, Director, Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families

“When I left the military, I lost that sense of family and purpose,” said one panelist. “Hospitality was the first job where I felt that again.”

After the discussion, participants attended a networking lunch and career fair with employers like Marriott, Founding Farmers, and The Talent Shop. Services included professional headshots, résumé reviews by Ellen Law, and guidance from Pamplin graduate program representatives.

“This was a phenomenal event,” said career services expert Katie Spinazzola. “The military community doesn’t always see what’s out there. Events like this open new doors.”

The event was a meaningful demonstration of Ut Prosim, connecting military talent to new career pathways and showcasing the hospitality industry's welcoming potential.

Interested military-connected professionals can learn more about Pamplin’s MSBA-HTM program by visiting Pamplin College of Business or contacting msbahtm@vt.edu / (703) 538-8349.