2025 WINNERS – USA AWARDS
On December 3, 2025, the latest edition of the US Forces in Business Awards took place at the Capital Hilton’s Presidential Ballroom, Washington DC, gathering US business and military leaders to recognize and celebrate the exceptional talents and achievements of the Military Community across 16 award categories.
ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Cole Lyle, The American Legion

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Kerry Favero-Rivera, Koniag Government Services

INSPIRATION OF THE YEAR
Winner: Danielle Applegate, CGI Federal

D&I INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Double-TAP, Old Dominion University’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Google

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Winner: Derren Burrell, Veteran Ventures Capital

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
Winner: Jacob Worrell, Ad Hoc

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Rory Cooper, Human Engineering Research Laboratories

MILITARY VALUES IN BUSINESS AWARD
Winner: Tiffany Horne, Soulfully Driven

NEW MILITARY LEAVER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Shawn Welsh, Vet S.O.S.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Beth Conlin, AWS

RESERVIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Matthew Miranda, ZS Associates

RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Winner: Adam Hayes, Lazarus AI

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR
Winner: Lloyd Knight, UPS / VETLANTA

SMB LEADER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Joe Anderson, RSGS

TEAM LEADER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Lee Crowson, Booz Allen Hamilton

LATEST ARTICLES
REVEALED: The Top 50 Employers of Veterans 2026
The definitive national ranking of Forces Friendly employers showcases those setting the benchmark for meaningful pathways into high-value careers for the military community.
Finalists Revealed for 2026 British Forces in Business Awards
The world’s largest celebration of veteran talent returns for its ninth year, recognising the individuals and organisations shaping high-impact civilian careers after military service.
Finalists Announced for 2026 Scottish Forces in Business Awards
The flagship showcase of veteran talent and forces friendly employers is returning to Glasgow for another landmark celebration on 28 January – and today the finalists are revealed.


