As told to Taylor Colby
Bill Hickey is one of the founders of the annual Military Job Fair that kicks off PLAYERS Week. Each March, veterans, active military and their families have an opportunity to meet with employers who value the unique skills these job seekers possess.
Tell us about your involvement with the job fair at THE PLAYERS.
In late 2011, retired Brigadier General Mike Fleming was working for Deutsche Bank, and DB was part of a veterans group called Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS). He wanted to bring something to Jacksonville focused on helping vets find jobs in Northeast Florida.
General Fleming, Capt. Matt Tuohy, Harrison Conyers and I helped found the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition (JMVC), a public-private partnership between the City of Jacksonville and companies interested in helping vets transition to civilian jobs. What began with fewer than 10 companies now numbers over 500. We wanted to have a signature event to promote this initiative, and we decided a job fair would be the solution. Cathie Hurlburt and Matt Rapp of THE PLAYERS offered to host the job fair.
Our first one was in 2012 and this is our 15th annual event. It is the only event that did not miss a year at THE PLAYERS due to COVID and is now the official opening event of PLAYERS Week.
Tell us about your background, especially as it applies to your career.
I attended Villanova University on an NROTC scholarship, and then was a naval surface warfare officer for four years. I entered civilian life and a career in IT, which included evaluating and hiring people, which dovetailed nicely into the skills needed to run the job fair.
What do you like best about what you do?
I love meeting and helping people, and knowing that we have assisted thousands of veterans and their families at the job fair over the years is incredibly humbling and satisfying.
What is a typical day like for you?
My full-time job is at JEA, where I am responsible for our relationships with small businesses and suppliers, so I get to help people in that role as well. All of our efforts for the job fair are done as volunteers, and we truly enjoy it.
What brought you to this community?
I am originally from South Central Pennsylvania, and I was stationed in Mayport on a guided missile frigate, USS Estocin (FFG-15), as the combat systems officer. I fell in love with Northeast Florida, especially the Beaches.
What do you like best about living here?
The abundance of water and things to do in nature. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and the Jacksonville area is unbeatable for its natural beauty and resources.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Spending time outdoors and also playing basketball. I play about three to four times a week, and I love that we can play outside here year-round.
What would you like our readers to know about the job fair?
It is absolutely free to all! There is no charge for anyone to attend and it is open to all veterans and to anyone who has had a veteran in their family. This year’s event (was) held in the Patriots’ Outpost tent (near the 16th tee box) on Saturday, March 7.