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News

Florida is for Veterans, Inc. Selects Marino as Chief Operating Officer

February 23, 2015

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida is for Veterans, Inc. Executive Director, Bobby Carbonell, announced Feb. 20 the selection of Joe Marino as the corporation’s Chief Operations Officer. In his new position, Marino will implement and oversee modern, efficient operations in support of the organization’s mission, which is to:
• Attract and retain Veterans and their families by connecting them to employment, training, and educational opportunities,
• Strengthen Florida businesses by educating them on the value and skill sets Veterans bring to the workforce and providing training resources for their Veteran hires, and
• Enhance the entrepreneurial skills of Veterans.

“Joe Marino brings a wealth of experience in working with Veterans’ issues from the non-profit sector, Florida state government experience and corporate recruiter for Veterans,” said Carbonell. “His relationship with the Florida Defense Contractor’s Association (FDCA) will be a great asset when we are ready to start working with the defense industry to keep separating service members in Florida.”

While Marino will step down as President of FDCA, he will continue to serve on the association’s board.

“I am personally and professionally honored to be working with Bobby Carbonell and such an esteemed board to accomplish an important mission,” said Marino. “Over the years, I have met too many Veterans who were unemployed or underemployed, and I believe they will benefit from the organization’s efforts.”

About Joe Marino
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Joe Marino served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army on Active Duty then in the Reserves for a total of eight years. Marino worked as a recruiter, placing separating Veterans with Fortune 500 companies, for several years before transitioning to Florida state government in 2002. He became well-versed in Florida’ legislative process, Veterans’ advocacy and the role the Defense industry plays in the state’s economy while working for the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, for a total of eight years. Marino’s work at the Governor’s Office led him to his most recent endeavor in the private sector with the Florida Defense Contractor’s Association, previously known as the Florida League of Defense Contractors, which he founded in 2010.

About Florida is for Veterans, Inc.
Florida is for Veterans, Inc. was established by the Florida Legislature in 2014 as part of the Florida GI Bill to serve as an innovative corporation to encourage recently retired or separated military personnel to make Florida their permanent residence. The 501c(3) corporation will reinforce Florida’s standing as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation by helping veterans to bring or develop the skills needed by Florida businesses to the state. The board of directors is comprised of nine individuals from across the state.

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