What is PHV all about?

Our mission and duty is to provide one-on-one support to U.S. military veterans and current service members in search of education, training & employment opportunities.

About Our Mission

From Service to Success

Those in the military today are some of the finest men and women who have ever served our country. They represent less than 1% of the population of America. They deserve quality education and employment once they transition out of the military. We serve all veterans and active service members, including the National Guard and Reserves and spouses.

Veterans have a higher unemployment rate than civilians, and to us that is simply not acceptable. We understand the struggles faced after returning home. It is not always easy to adjust to a new life style as a civilian. As a result, we plan to help as many veterans as possible to find a career that fits their interests and their needs. One that leads them to having a successful future. We provide vocational rehabilitation; help prepare you for employment; and can help you with training and education goals.

Let’s work together! Drop us an email to get started!

Hire A Leader, Hire A Veteran

Jack Lyden

Executive Director

Jack Lyden is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant who spent his military career leading in the aircraft maintenance field.  Throughout his military and civilian careers, he has found success through developing talent, encouraging high level performance and helping people find their best place.  Jack is a man of faith and believes that when you are in the place God has planned for you, you will thrive.  No matter who you are, if you bring your best, we can help you succeed.

Jack has held positions in the Veteran employment field as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and as Community Employment Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Veterans Health Administration.  Jack holds a master’s degree from the University of La Verne in Business Organization Management and recently acquired the six-sigma black belt.

Brian Harkins

Employment Specialist

Brian Harkins is a United States Marine Corps Veteran and a retired Pittsburgh Firefighter. As a Marine at Camp Lejeune, Brian worked at the Joint Public Affairs Office and deployed to Central and South America in 1986 after earning a bachelors degree in journalism from Point Park College in 1984. Brian serves as PHV’s Employment Specialist.

Kaluunda Taylor

Employer Relations Specialist

Kaluunda Taylor is a retired Air Force Veteran with over 20 years of leadership experience. Throughout his career he was highly regarded and respected within the chain of command for skillfully influencing and impacting the careers and lives of other airmen. He brings that experience with him to PHV where he connects with local employers who want to hire veterans.

James G. Rossi M.ED CRC LPC

Voc Rehab Counselor

Mr. Rossi attended the University of Pittsburgh and obtained a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors provide guidance, insight and resources to improve employment outcomes. He was a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor since 1997. Later he became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2002, providing vocational counseling, consulting and research services to individuals, rehabilitation providers, medical professionals and businesses.

James began providing employment services to service members and veterans in 2008. "They encounter a whole different set of barriers resulting in higher unemployment and underemployment". Focusing on each person and providing individualized vocational direction, guidance, and counseling breaks down some of those barriers to establish relationships integral to career development.

Mr. Rossi served two terms as a Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. Prior to one term as president. He continues to be a regular presenter at Rehabilitation Counseling Seminars.

Michele Fallet

Business Development

Michele Fallet has been instrumental in helping her husband, a veteran of the United States Navy, grow his handyman business. During a 20-year career with Brentwood Bank, Michele worked in various capacities, with her last role as Information Systems Specialist. Michele is active in the veteran community as the President of the VFW Post 1810 Auxiliary and as the VFW Auxiliary District 29 Jr. Vice President & the Veteran and Family Support Chairperson. She has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in business management. Michele is applying her expertise in an administrative and development capacity with PHV.

OUR RESOURCE CENTER

Veterans can use our resource center to look for jobs, fill out applications, create resumes and more.

PHV Office - Additional Organization Resources
PHV Office and Resource Center
PHV Office - Computers for veterans to use

Pittsburgh Hires Veterans owes its beginnings to the support of Mr. John G. Rangos Sr. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Rangos had a passion for giving back. He was a passionate patriot with a personal mission to serve his country by helping veterans and their families. Through the years, Mr. Rangos has been a major funder of Pittsburgh Hires Veterans. Without his vision, commitment and guidance, PHV would not be in existence today.

Pittsburgh Hires Veterans is a 501 (c)3 organization.