Our Vision
To be a well-known and preferred conduit between transitioning veterans, their families, and the Catawba County business community, and a transition assistance/employer resource organization of choice, with presence across major military installations in the Carolinas.
Our Motto
"One Veteran at a Time"
Our Mission
To partner with Catawba County businesses to meet their talent requirements by leveraging the veteran community, and to provide opportunities for these veterans, their families and military transition organizations that are aligned to the Catawba County community.
Meet the Team
Lindsay Keisler
Co-Founder & Chief of Strategy and Relations lkeisler@catawbachamber.org
Lindsay helped create HKY4Vets in 2016 and remains active in the long-term strategy of the organization. She also develops and maintains key partner relationships and funders. Lindsay did not serve in the military, but is a proud daughter of a retired US Army Lt. Colonel. She is incredibly passionate about giving back to this particular community. By day, Lindsay is the President and CEO of the Chamber of Catawba County and Catawba County Chamber Foundation.
Nathan Huret
Co-Founder & Chief of Veteran Engagement
nhuret@hky4vets.org
Since 2016, Nathan has co-lead HKY4Vets - managing much of the daily operations, communications and direct service member engagement for the organization. Though he never served, he is extremely passionate about serving those who have served our country. Nathan is the Economic Development Director at Catawba County Economic Development Corp, where he assists companies on a daily basis.
Adam Sides
Director of Operations
asides@hky4vets.org
With 25 years of service in the NC National Guard and extensive experience in strategic operations and team building, Adam brings critical expertise to HKY4Vets. As Director of Operations, he connects transitioning service members and their families with economic opportunities in the Hickory Metro. Driven by a passion for resilience coaching and veteran advocacy, Adam builds partnerships and professional networks that empower veterans to thrive in their careers and community.
Our 2024-25 Strategic Vision
At HKY4Vets, we are returning to our educational roots with a renewed focus on corporate understanding and personalized support. We are shifting away from impersonal hiring events and leaning into 1-on-1 transition coaching, which has proven to be our most effective approach.
In addition, we recognize how vital it is for veterans, reservists, active duty members, and military spouses to have a supportive community of peers who share their experiences. That sense of belonging drives everything we do, and we will continue to foster opportunities for meaningful connection and personal growth.
Through expanded corporate education, personalized coaching, and a commitment to community-building, we aim to make a lasting difference for those we serve.
HKY4Vets Supporting Business Partners
Our Talent Connect partners are the backbone of everything we do at HKY4Vets. Their financial support allows us to carry out our mission of serving veterans and military families across the Hickory Metro. In return, these partners benefit from our work through education, talent initiatives, and access to a pipeline of highly skilled individuals.
We see ourselves as an extension of our partners' teams, building meaningful, long-term relationships. Many have supported us for years, and their continued partnership drives the shared success we work toward every day.
Catawba County Chamber Foundation
The Catawba County Chamber Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit launched in January 2023, is committed to enhancing regional economic prosperity and quality of life through strategic partnerships, education, and engagement. Working closely with The Chamber of Catawba County, the Foundation addresses critical community needs, including workforce development and talent retention. Key initiatives, such as the Workforce Scan, Talent Priorities Identification, and Talent Strategy Process, bring together local businesses, government, nonprofits, and educational institutions to build a competitive workforce. Since 2016, the Foundation’s HKY4Vets program has aimed to make Catawba County a leading veteran-ready community, connecting veterans and their families to local employment and support resources.
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