The Inspiration of Courage; The Perspective of Reality
Sutherland will discuss the specific challenges many veterans and their families face as they transition out of the military and into the community and workplace. Enabling our military service members and their families to thrive where they live and work is the mission of the Center for Military and Veterans Community Services (Dixon Center). This session will help you identify approaches to recruiting and developing military talent, tackle organizational resistance by addressing common misperceptions and understand the needs of this unique population including education and access to health care.
The When Work Works Sessions at the SHRM Annual conference explore ways to #ReinventWork and create effective workplaces. Visit WhenWorkWorks.org, a partnership between Families and Work Institute and SHRM, for more information.
Colonel David W. Sutherland
Colonel David W. Sutherland is the co-founder and Chairman of the Center for Military and Veterans Community Services (Dixon Center) and actively contributes to numerous national veteran and military family committees and boards. Sutherland speaks in communities at universities, businesses and conferences around the country as a vocal advocate and leader for transformational change. He is a vocal advocate for our service members, military veterans, their families, and the families of our fallen.
Colonel Sutherland culminated his 29 years of service following Brigade Command, as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle focus on Warrior and Family Support. By visiting hundreds of communities and assisting thousands of organizations, he created a nationwide network of support utilizing grassroots solutions for veterans and their families.
Awards and decorations include, among others, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge Second Award and Senior Parachutist Badge. He is also the 2008 Freedom Award recipient presented by the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation, the 2011 Meritorious Service Award recipient presented by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and the 2013 Commitment to Service award presented by Give An Hour for his work on behalf of returning service members, veterans, military families and families of the fallen.
He holds a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in History and Economics and a Masters in Strategic Studies.
Team Sutherland’s roster includes Colonel Sutherland, his wife Bonnie and their two sons, Andrew and Patrick.