Hire Heroes USA announced that its Board of Directors has selected Christopher Plamp as Chief Executive Officer of the national nonprofit. Plamp, who has been serving as interim CEO, was Chief Operating Officer of the veteran service organization, which recently announced a milestone 25,000 veteran and military spouse hires, representing more than $1.25 billion in first-year earnings pumped into the U.S. economy.

"Christopher is an outstanding leader and someone who is passionate about helping veterans get great jobs," said Marshall Lauck, Chairman of Hire Heroes USA's Board of Directors. "A decorated veteran himself, he knows firsthand how hard the transition from military to civilian life can be and how important it is to have job stability through this process. We're so pleased he will bring his strategic vision, knowledge, and experience to the role of CEO, leading the organization through its next important chapter."

Plamp joined Hire Heroes USA as the Director of Veteran Programs after leaving the Air Force as a Colonel in May 2014. He was an Air Force Command Pilot, flight instructor and evaluator, primarily flying the A-10 Warthog, MQ-1B Unmanned Predator, UV-18B Twin Otter and TG-16 Sailplane. He was an A-10 Fighter Squadron Director of Operations, an MQ-1B Reconnaissance Squadron Commander, and a Flying Training Group Commander at the United States Air Force Academy. He also served in the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), as director of a four-star general's Commander's Action Group. His final position was Director of one of only two NATO Combined Air Operations Centers responsible for the military air defense of the 14 NATO countries in Northern Europe.

Plamp participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He received two Bronze Stars for actions in Afghanistan, the first one in 2001 as a member of JSOC for actions during the initial combat operations after 9/11. The second was earned for his work in the 74th Fighter Squadron for critical operations, including the planning and execution of the Operation REDWINGS (of Lone Survivor fame) rescue. As Commander of the 15th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, he led his squadron to provide all conventional Predator Unmanned Aircraft operations during 'The Surge" into Iraq, as well as personally flying missions. His other awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals, and the German Silver Cross of Honor.

"I joined Hire Heroes USA nearly four years ago, because the mission meant so much to me personally. As a commander in the military, I watched hundreds of service members transition - knowing there was little I could do to help them once they left the service. My own transition to civilian life was also daunting. You go at once from knowing your job, your colleagues, your work tempo and expectations, to a completely unknown universe," said Plamp. "Being part of the solution on the civilian side remains incredibly important to me, and I'm proud to be part of this extraordinary team that has already helped so many. My entire professional career has been dedicated to leading high-quality teams doing meaningful and effective work. As CEO, I will be leading a team of the finest nonprofit professionals, whose remarkable impact profoundly and positively affects thousands of lives and families each year. I couldn't be more excited about this new opportunity to lead Hire Heroes USA into a future of even greater impact and service."

Plamp succeeds Brian Stann, who stepped down as Hire Heroes USA's president and CEO in September 2017.

"I am very proud to have Christopher take the reins at Hire Heroes USA. His leadership, operational brilliance and innovative thinking are exactly what we need to continue our growth in serving veterans and their families," said Stann, who now serves on Hire Heroes USA's Board of Directors.

Plamp holds both a Master's in Military Art and Science, and a Master's in Strategic Studies. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy.

The executive search firm LeaderFit worked with the Board of the Directors on this search.