Indiana’s JVSG Program Honors Top Veteran Service Providers at Annual Conference
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s (DWD) Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program celebrated excellence in veteran services at its annual JVSG Veterans Conference, held September 17–19 at the Indiana Government Center. The event recognized outstanding service providers and awarded $33,514 in incentive funds to 16 dedicated professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment in serving Indiana’s veteran community.
The JVSG program delivers individualized career services to eligible veterans and persons through its Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists, while Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) focus on employer outreach to connect veterans with meaningful employment opportunities statewide.
“Our JVSG team plays a vital role in supporting veterans across Indiana,” said Josh Richardson, President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “These honorees reflect the compassion, commitment, and excellence that drive our mission to serve those who’ve served.”
JVSG Service Provider of the Year
- Don Nedza (Region 4 DVOP): Recognized for case-managing 109 veterans, tripling the required caseload of 36, while delivering transformative outcomes for veterans facing disabilities, justice involvement, and long-term unemployment. His exemplary statewide impact earned him a $4,000 award and distinction as Indiana’s top JSVG provider.
American Job Center of the Year
- Region 9 WorkOne Madison: Honored for fostering a collaborative, veteran-centered environment that empowers participants and strengthens community partnerships.
Top Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Honorees – Awarded $2,500 to $3000 Each
- Eli Ireland (Region 4 DVOP): Delivered 144 career services to 41 veterans, organized Stand Down events, and expanded access to housing and legal support.
- Josh McDonald (Region 12 DVOP): Provided 403 services to 48 veterans, resulting in 13 job placements and strong community partnerships.
- Bill Townsend (Region 10 DVOP): Delivered 378 services across six counties to 31 disabled veterans, resulting in 10 job exits and co-founded the Southern Indiana DVOP Quarterly Conference.
- Adam Colone (Region 3 DVOP): Provided 320 services to 87 veterans. Completed 62 cases with 32 job closures and led community service efforts through Clothes for Joe’s.
- Hector Moreno (Region 9 DVOP): Gave 320 services to 87 veterans and closed 62 cases with 32 job placements, as well as developed tools to streamline veteran job searches.
- Jeff Tabb (Region 5 DVOP): Delivered 884 services to 77 veterans, resulting in 29 job placements and extensive outreach. Jeff also engaged with over 50 veterans through outreach activities identifying critical employment barriers.
Top Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVER) Honorees
- Chris Dorn (Region 9 LVER): Provided 488 services to 120 employers and placed 54 veterans into jobs this year, averaging $56,200 in annual salaries, with 30 hires in Q3 2025 alone.
- Joe Cataldi (Region 5 LVER): Delivered 946 services to 219 employers and secured employment for 21 veterans.
“These professionals are not just meeting expectations, they’re redefining what veteran support looks like in Indiana,” said Robert Mathes, State Veteran Program Director. “Their dedication, innovation, and heart make a lasting difference in the lives of those who’ve served. We’re proud to honor their work and continue building a future where every veteran has the opportunity to thrive in Indiana.”
To learn more about Indiana’s JVSG program and how it supports veterans, visit https://www.in.gov/dwd/veterans-services/.
