Pittsburgh, PA (11/9/2017) -- The National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), in partnership with Armed Forces Insurance, is proud to announce that James Kelly, founder and CEO of Invictus International Consulting, is the 2017 Vetrepreneur® of the Year.

In the company’s first three years, Invictus has focused on keeping America safe from cyber-attacks by providing widely-recognized mission-critical services to the intelligence community. In 2017, Invictus directed worldwide mission essential communications to national security after Hurricane Irma and strengthened the cybersecurity posture of a national intelligence agency by implementing a mandated Risk Management Framework.

Invictus has seen a six-fold revenue increase, tripled the number of employees in 2017 – 60 percent of whom are veterans – with more than 100 people operating in nine states and three countries. Recognizing its skyrocketing growth, GovCIO Outlook magazine named Invictus one of the “Top 10 National Security Services Providers of 2017.”

“Jim Kelly embodies how military training prepares veterans for business success,” said NaVOBA President Matthew Pavelek. “His tremendous entrepreneurial success, his dedication to hiring veterans and his commitment to giving back and making a difference make NaVOBA proud to honor him as the 2017 Vetrepreneur® of the Year.”

“Armed Forces Insurance salutes the multi-skilled veterans who have transitioned from the military to create businesses. These businesses stimulate the local and national economy, and provide jobs for other veterans,” said Lori Simmons, Vice President, Armed Forces Insurance.  “We’re proud to sponsor the Vetrepreneur of the Year Award.”

NaVOBA and Armed Forces Insurance will present Kelly with his award at a special ceremony as part of the 2017 HeroZona Conference in Phoenix. Joining Kelly will be four Vetrepreneur of the Year recipients including: Staci Redmon; Rondia Moss, the Woman Vetrepreneur of the Year;Dave Otano, the Hispanic Vetrepreneur® of the Year; Garry Maddox, the Minority Vetrepreneur® of the Year; and Larry Currel, the Franchise Vetrepreneur® of the Year.

NaVOBA will also honor several veteran champions including: Lamont Robinson, Vice President of Supplier Diversity for Nielsen, as the 2017 Corporate Veterans Champion; Rocky Bleier, with the Lifetime Achievement Award; and Barbara Ashe, president of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF) and the National Director of the Veteran Institute for Procurement, as the 2017 Veterans Business Advocate of the Year. Each veteran’s remarkable story is featured in the November-December dual issue of Vetrepreneur, NaVOBA’s national print and digital magazine.

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About the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA):

NaVOBA is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by Corporate Supplier Diversity professionals. NaVOBA’s mission is to create corporate contracting opportunities for America’s Veteran’s and Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprises (VBEs/SDVBEs) through certification, advocacy, outreach, recognition and education.

About AFI:

Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) is the insurance company of choice for current and retired members of the uniformed services, their children, and Department of Defense civilians. Founded in 1887 by military leaders with a single mission: to protect the property of those who protect our nation, providing premium quality, competitively priced property and casualty insurance to military professionals throughout the Armed Forces. We know our members have unique circumstances and insurance needs, and we offer a level of personalized service that is unequaled in the industry-because OUR MISSION IS YOU ® - and your peace of mind. The company also furthers our strong commitment to give back to military and local communities through important programs and sponsorships including the Great American Patriot Award presented at the Armed Forces Bowl, the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year® Award, the Vetrepreneur® of the Year Award, the Gary Sinise Foundation, and the Military Warriors Support Foundation. In early 2015, AFI established the Armed Forces Insurance Foundation to assist in educating the military community on a wide array of key personal financial topics to help them succeed. For more information, visit the website at www.afi.org or call 1-800-495-8234, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.‎

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact: 

Lori Simmons
lori.simmons@afi.org
913-727-4679