NextOp Receives Major Grant from Delta Regional Authority

May 10

HOUSTON, TX —NextOp, a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to recruiting, developing and placing high-performing enlisted veterans into careers after their military service, is one of 23 recipients of grants from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Through its Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP), the DRA directs Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt particularly hard hit by industrial downsizing, business closures and job losses.

The $450,000 grant received by NextOp is being used to expand its workforce training and education programs in the Memphis area. The DRA also supports NextOp’s workforce development operations in Louisiana and Mississippi.

“This grant provides a tremendous boost to the NextOp growth strategy and focuses our program on Developing Equitable Talent Pipeline for Economically Disadvantaged Veterans in the Memphis metro area,” says NextOp Executive Director Shelby Mounts. “Our proven recruitment and training-to-career pipeline program seeks to place veterans with careers in healthcare, construction and distribution industries.”

Some 46,000 enlisted working-age military and veteran workers live in the Memphis area, and approximately 1,600 more service members transition to Tennessee each year.

“In the same manner that they devoted their lives to serving our nation, it is imperative that we commit to providing the best training services to our veterans to support their transition and advancement post-military service,” said Ted Townsend, president & CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber. “We look forward to collaborating with NextOp to provide our veterans with avenues for professional development while offering our employers a dedicated workforce.”

NextOp’s goal is to place 1,000 veterans into careers with employers in west Tennessee over the next five years. Through its training-to-career pipeline program currently in place in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, NextOp placed 667 veterans and transitioning service members in 2023 with an average starting salary of $66,000. Last year proved to be the nonprofit's most successful year since its founding in 2014.

“Last year was a pivotal year for our organization,” adds Mounts. “We not only exceeded the previous annual record of veterans served, but we also cut down the average number of days to place a candidate into a job from 42 to 37. With the DWP grant, as well as other grants we’ve received, we are growing our geography served in a sustainable way, enabling us to assist a greater number of talented veterans with career opportunities.”

Through one-on-one mentorship and other wrap-around support, NextOp helps veterans and transitioning service members translate their skills to civilian industries, and access training when needed. The successful workforce development model allows veterans to leverage their military training and experiences into valuable qualifications for a civilian workforce.

Only about 25% of transitioning service members have a new job secured before leaving the military. NextOp actively works with company recruiters and corporate leadership to ensure that the translation of military skills to civilian experience is not a barrier for veterans when being considered for the workforce.

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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 more information, visit https://nextopvets.org/

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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