Nicholas Busse
Roseville,CA
Summary
Award-winning leader in military talent acquisition and engagement with over a decade of experience designing and implementing nationally recognized, award-winning military talent programs. Recognized as the 2023 Veteran Champion of the Year in Corporate America by Military Friendly and honored by Congress, the California State Senate, and Assembly for leadership and dedication to the military community, I specialize in creating innovative strategies that attract, retain, and integrate military talent while driving organizational success.
With proven expertise in building inclusive workforces, developing comprehensive talent pipelines, and fostering cultural integration, I have partnered with senior executives, veteran organizations, and government agencies to deliver measurable results. Passionate about empowering veterans and military families, I am committed to advancing DEIA initiatives and leading impactful programs that align with corporate goals and create thriving, diverse workplaces.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Military Engagement and Talent Programs
Leaf Home
02.2020 - Current
- Strategic Leadership: Developed and executed national recruiting strategies across 7 sister companies, focusing on military veteran talent acquisition and retention.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Built and maintained relationships with Department of Defense (DoD) branches, military bases, and government agencies to enhance recruitment efforts.
- Veteran Workforce Engagement: Managed a workforce of 200+ veteran employees, providing ongoing support and engagement strategies.
- Program Oversight: Led nationwide SkillBridge and government-assisted programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance.
- Military Program Expertise: Acted as the primary subject matter expert on military affairs for the CEO and Gridiron portfolio leadership, advising on all military-related initiatives across portfolio companies.
- National Event Coordination: Directed and managed military-focused career fairs and recruitment events across the country, serving as the central point of contact for all veteran-related hiring activities.
- Project Leadership: Managed 15+ military engagement projects annually, focusing on corporate recruitment, military outreach, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Corporate Integration: Oversaw all military-related corporate functions, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives and veteran support strategies.
Director of Talent Acquisition
United States Army Recruiting Command
09.2012 - 10.2019
- Worked with recruiting teams and human resources representatives to accomplish hiring objectives.
- Designed and implemented Northern California recruiting standards of procedure
- Oversaw public affairs and recruiting functions across 10 counties.
- Lead expert in digital recruiting to Executive Officer
Recruiting Manager
U.S. Army Recruiting Command
09.2012 - 01.2016
- Prepared presentations and represented U.S, Army during speaking engagements at local schools and throughout communities to promote strong community relations.
- Full Cycle Recruitment
- Managed recruitment team and trained and mentored new advisors.
Supervisor of Field Artillery
U.S. Army Active Duty
10.2006 - 09.2012
- Leadership & Team Management: Led and mentored a team of 10+ soldiers, ensuring optimal performance in high-pressure environments. Successfully trained and developed junior leaders, resulting in a 20% increase in team efficiency and mission success rate.
- Operations Coordination: Managed the execution of complex artillery operations in both training and combat scenarios, ensuring precision and adherence to safety protocols. Oversaw the deployment of over 200 artillery rounds in field exercises, improving target accuracy by 15%.
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Developed and executed detailed tactical plans for large-scale military operations, coordinating resources, schedules, and logistics to ensure mission success under tight deadlines.
- Operational Efficiency & Training: Led and facilitated over 50 training exercises, improving team capabilities and performance. Spearheaded initiatives that increased operational efficiency by 30%, contributing to a higher operational readiness rate.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
San Francisco State University
2024
City Chamber of Commerce Diploma - Local Government And Public Service Leadership
Leadership Roseville
2024
Associate of Science - Business Management
City College of San Francisco
2022
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Central Texas College
2017
Skills
- Military Talent Program Development
- Veteran Outreach & Engagement
- DEIA Strategy Alignment
- Talent Pipeline Development
- Onboarding & Mentorship Programs
- Strategic Partnership Development
- Program Performance Metrics
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Military Culture & Transition Expertise
- Public Speaking & Advocacy
- Corporate Strategy Integration
- Relationship Building & Trust
Accomplishments
- MOAA Impact Award (2020)
- Congressional Recognition (2021)
- DAV Patriot Employer Award (2022
- Veteran Champion of the Year in Corporate America (2023)
- Employee of the Year in Unrivaled Culture (2023)
- Leadership Roseville Grad (2024)
- Congressional Recognition (2024
- State Senate Recognition (2024)
- State Assembly Recognition (2024)
Education
Killeen, TX,San Francisco, CA,Roseville, CA,true,San Francisco, CA
Affiliations
- Changing Cadence Foundation
- Victory Bridge Foundation
- Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni
Recognitions and Awards
- Military Friendly: Veteran Champion of the Year in Corporate America Recipient, 2023
- Certificate of Special Recognition by Commander William Franco, Veterans Affiliated Council Sacramento, 2025
- Assembly Recognition by CA Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, 2025
- Senate Recognition by CA Senator Angelique Ashby, 2025
- Assembly Recognition by CA Assemblyman Joe Patterson, 2024
- Congressional Recognition by CA Congressman Kevin Kiley, 2024
- Senate Recognition by CA Senator Roger Niello, 2024
- Congressional Special Recognition by NV Congresswoman Susie Lee, 2021
- DAV Patriot Employer Award, 2021
- Military Officers Association of America: Florida Impact Award, 2020
Timeline
Head of Military Engagement and Talent Programs
Leaf Home
02.2020 - Current
Director of Talent Acquisition
United States Army Recruiting Command
09.2012 - 10.2019
Recruiting Manager
U.S. Army Recruiting Command
09.2012 - 01.2016
Supervisor of Field Artillery
U.S. Army Active Duty
10.2006 - 09.2012
City Chamber of Commerce Diploma - Local Government And Public Service Leadership
Leadership Roseville
Associate of Science - Business Management
City College of San Francisco
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Central Texas College
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
San Francisco State University
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