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Press Release

Recognition underscores organization’s strong commitment to veterans and the military-connected community

ROSEVILLE, Calif., April 23, 2026 — PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, has been recognized as a 3 Star Employer in the 2026 VETS Indexes Employer Awards, affirming the organization’s meaningful and measurable commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and members of the military-connected community.

The VETS Indexes Employer Awards program is the most objective and comprehensive evaluation of veteran employers in the United States. Participating organizations include companies large and small, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, colleges, and universities—each working to strengthen employment opportunities and long-term support systems for military veterans, spouses, and families.

“PRIDE Industries has demonstrated meaningful and measurable support for veterans and the military-connected community through its commitment to building opportunities for those who served,” said Nicholas Antaki, President of VETS Indexes. “Employers like PRIDE Industries continue to set the standard and help drive the future of veteran employment forward.”

The VETS Indexes Employer Awards analyze employer policies, practices, and outcomes across five key categories:

  • Veteran job candidate recruiting and hiring
  • Veteran employee development and retention
  • Veteran-inclusive policies and culture
  • Support for members of the National Guard and Reserves
  • Military spouse and family support

As a mission-driven organization, PRIDE Industries has long prioritized inclusive hiring, workforce development, and career advancement opportunities for veterans and military-connected individuals.

“This recognition reflects the deep respect we have for the men and women who have served our country and the value they bring to the workplace,” said Craig Levra, CEO of PRIDE Industries. “Veterans bring a mission-focused mindset, resilience, and leadership skills that strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. We are proud to be recognized by VETS Indexes and remain committed to expanding opportunities for military veterans and their families.”

PRIDE Industries offers several services for military veterans, including a veteran-led recruitment team, resume reviews, annual hiring events at multiple locations, personalized intake sessions, and a supportive veterans employee resource group. This is the 5th consecutive year that the social enterprise has been recognized as a VETS Indexes Employer.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, the company provides facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, the organization helps individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

About VETS Indexes

VETS Indexes is a leading authority on veteran employment issues. The organization oversees the VETS Indexes Employer Awards, hosts the Employing U.S. Vets Conference, provides unmatched insights through its Veteran Employment Benchmarking Service, and develops custom indexes linked to financial products that track publicly traded companies recognized as top veteran employers.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru
(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Roseville, Calif. — PRIDE Industries, a national nonprofit leader in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, announced today the appointment of Craig Levra as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive six‑month executive search that spanned the nation. He will officially join PRIDE Industries on Monday, April 6.

Levra brings a distinctive blend of mission‑driven leadership and large‑scale business expertise, positioning him to lead PRIDE Industries through its next phase of growth and impact. He joins the organization from Goodwill Southern California, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for one of the largest Goodwill organizations in the country.

Sharing his enthusiasm, Levra remarked, “PRIDE Industries shows what’s possible when mission and business excellence come together. I’m honored to join this remarkable organization and excited to help build on its national impact.”

At Goodwill Southern California, Levra worked closely with the CEO to refocus the organization on its mission and vision while modernizing strategy and go to market execution. Under his leadership, the operating group shifted its focus to profitability, delivering record breaking EBITDA results while expanding mission impact. Levra was also a founding member of GoodwillFinds.com, collaborating with leaders from six of the nation’s largest Goodwill organizations to launch the online platform. He then led the pivot to eBay, establishing Goodwill Southern California as a top seller on the platform.

Throughout his career, Levra has demonstrated deep experience in operational transformation, stakeholder engagement, customer experience, and servant leadership. At Goodwill SoCal, he was responsible for delivering EBITDA and providing employment opportunities for five key groups: people with unique skills and abilities, justice-involved, at-risk youth, those without homes, and veterans.

Levra succeeds Interim CEO Bob Olsen, whose leadership ensured continuity and momentum during the transition.

“Craig’s passion for mission, paired with his proven ability to build and scale successful organizations, truly sets him apart,” said Olsen. “He understands that strong financial performance and meaningful social impact are not mutually exclusive—they reinforce one another. That mindset aligns perfectly with who we are and where PRIDE Industries is headed.”

Prior to his nonprofit leadership, Levra held senior executive and CEO roles in the retail sector, including Chairperson and CEO of Sport Chalet, Inc., a publicly traded specialty retailer with $400 million in annual revenue. During his tenure, he doubled the size of the company, led award‑winning retail innovation, and executed complex acquisition and integration strategies. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at The Sports Authority, Inc., the first sports retailer to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue and go public on the New York Stock Exchange.

Levra holds an MBA from the University of Kansas and a Certificate in Public Company Governance from the University of California, Irvine. He currently serves on multiple boards and in business advisory roles, including as a board member of Virco Mfg. Corporation and the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission.

Craig Levra
Craig Levra, President and Chief Executive Officer

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru
(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Roseville, Calif.  — PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, hosted its 60th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, February 28, in celebration of six decades of creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, advancing workplace inclusion, and transforming lives. A highlight of the evening was a special tribute to the Honorable Tony Coelho, renowned disability rights advocate and primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

More than 250 community leaders, business partners, elected officials, and supporters gathered to commemorate PRIDE Industries’ history and its ongoing mission to create employment for people with disabilities. The event showcased inspirational stories from employees, breakthrough inclusion initiatives, and the organization’s growing national impact.

“Tony Coelho’s vision and leadership transformed disability rights in America,” said Bob Olsen, Interim CEO at PRIDE Industries. “Honoring him at our 60th anniversary gala was not only fitting—it was essential. His work paved the way for millions of people to find meaningful employment, including the individuals we proudly employ and support every day.”

Coelho, who has dedicated his life to championing disability inclusion, was recognized for his groundbreaking role in the passage of the ADA and for his decades-long commitment to equal opportunity. During his remarks, he praised PRIDE Industries as a national model for inclusive employment.

Tony with award
Disability Rights Champion Tony Coelho

“PRIDE Industries proves what is possible when we embrace the strengths and talents of every individual,” said Coelho. “Their commitment to people with disabilities embodies the spirit of the ADA and sets a standard for businesses across the country.”

The gala also celebrated PRIDE Industries’ expansive growth—from a small program founded in 1966 to a nationally recognized social enterprise employing and supporting thousands of people with disabilities, military veterans, foster youth, and trafficking survivors. Event proceeds will directly support employment programs, training initiatives, and wraparound services that help individuals achieve meaningful, lasting careers.

In addition to celebrating its past, during the anniversary gala, the social enterprise highlighted several new initiatives in accessibility, workforce development, and business innovation designed to expand opportunity over the next decade and beyond.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru
(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

ROSEVILLE, Calif. – PRIDE Industries welcomed Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA3) on February 18 for a site visit highlighting the organization’s newest investment in accessible, sustainable transportation: four electric vans purchased through federal funds appropriated and awarded to PRIDE Industries with the congressman’s support.

The vans were acquired for PRIDE Industries’ Workforce Inclusion (WFI) program, which provides job coaching, training, transportation, and other employment support to individuals with disabilities and others who face barriers to employment. During the visit, Congressman Kiley viewed the electric vehicles and met with program staff and individuals who will benefit from the expanded transportation capacity.

“Reliable transportation is one of the biggest hurdles facing people with disabilities who want to work,” said Darelyn Pazdel, Senior Vice President of Workforce Inclusion at PRIDE Industries. “These new electric vans will directly improve access to employment and community-based services for hundreds of individuals across the Sacramento region.”

Congressman Kiley emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to employment resources.

“PRIDE Industries plays a vital role in creating meaningful job opportunities for people with disabilities,” said the congressman. “These new electric vans expand the organization’s transportation and support services, which will open doors for individuals throughout our community.”

PRIDE Industries currently provides daily transportation to approximately 400 individuals with disabilities who rely on this service to reach jobs, training programs, and essential community activities. The organization’s aging fleet made replacement a priority. To meet that need, Congressman Kiley sponsored a Community Project Funding grant, which has enabled PRIDE Industries to acquire the four new electric vans and a charging system to support them.

The new electric vehicles will increase PRIDE Industries’ ability to:

  • Provide employment support
  • Expand transportation routes and capacity
  • Connect participants with job sites, training, and community resources
  • Reduce emissions through a clean-energy fleet

“The impact of this federal investment will be felt immediately,” said Pazdel. “It strengthens our mission of creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities while also advancing sustainable transportation.”

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru
(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

ROSEVILLE, CA (November 11, 2025) – PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, has been named a 2026 military-friendly employer by Military Friendly®, a national organization that measures corporate commitment to the military community. This designation was given in recognition of the services and programs that PRIDE Industries offers to benefit military veterans, as well as spouses of veterans and active military personnel.

“At PRIDE Industries, we’re honored to employ so many veterans and to support others in transitioning to meaningful civilian careers,” said Tim Young, Chief Human Resources Officer and military veteran. “This designation affirms our commitment to helping veterans and military families thrive by leveraging the valuable skills they developed in service to our country.”

The Military Friendly® Employers designation is awarded based on a rigorous evaluation of public data and proprietary survey responses. More than 1,200 companies participated in the 2026 Military Friendly® survey, which assesses organizations on key metrics such as recruitment, new hire retention, employee turnover, and promotion and advancement of military-affiliated employees.

“Organizations earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses, and esteemed veterans within their ranks,” said Kayla Lopez, Senior Director of Partnerships at Military Friendly®. “We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom.”

The methodology, criteria, and weightings were developed by VIQTORY, with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council—an independent group of leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings combine survey scores with performance benchmarks to identify companies that go above and beyond in creating meaningful career opportunities for veterans.

PRIDE Industries offers several employment resources for veterans, including its one-of-a-kind I AM ABLE Employment Helpline [(844) 426-2253], a veterans employee resource group (ERG), and a Military Skills Translator tool that helps veterans match their skills and talent to a civilian career. In addition, PRIDE Industries can help veterans access paid internships, as well as mentoring and training programs. And to help other companies increase their hiring of diverse candidates, including military veterans, the company provides recruiting services. In July, on National Hire a Veteran Day, PRIDE Industries held veteran hiring events at four locations across the country.

“At PRIDE Industries, we believe that hiring veterans is not just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision,” added Young. “Their leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills strengthen our workforce and enrich our company culture.”

PRIDE Industries will be featured in the 2026 Military Friendly® Employers list, published in the Winter issue of G.I. Jobs® magazine and on https://www.militaryfriendly.com.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

About Military Friendly®

Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,800 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly® designation. Military Friendly® ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/

Media Contact
Kat Maudru
(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.

Job seekers with disabilities had the opportunity to meet with more than 40 companies.

Roseville, Calif., (Oct 15, 2025)  – PRIDE Industries, the nation’s leading employer of people with disabilities, hosted its 3rd annual I AM ABLE Disability Job Fair on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Held every year during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the regional job fair is designed to connect job seekers with disabilities to inclusive employers who are actively hiring.

“This job fair is more than just a hiring event—it’s a celebration of ability, inclusion, and opportunity,” said Bob Olsen, Interim CEO of PRIDE Industries. “We’re proud to bring together companies that recognize the value of a diverse workforce and are committed to creating pathways to employment for people of all abilities.”

More than 40 companies participated in the job fair, including Raley’s, SAFE Credit Union, SMUD, Golden 1 Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Health, Wells Fargo, Nugget Markets, First Northern Bank, CalTrans, and Thunder Valley Casino Resort.

Businesses at the event were able to meet with hundreds of job seekers.

“We are proud to partner yet again with PRIDE Industries for this year’s I AM ABLE Disability Job Fair,” said Jose Bodipo-Memba, Chief Diversity Officer for Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). “This job fair opens doors for individuals of all abilities to thrive, work, and contribute to the communities they call home.”

In addition to employers, over 20 nonprofit organizations and government agencies were present to offer vital employment resources. Among them was CalABLE, California’s tax-advantaged savings and investment plan for people with disabilities. CalABLE was established in 2018 and is overseen by the California Department of the Treasury.

“It’s gratifying to see so many companies come together to support inclusive employment,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, who opened the event with a ribbon-cutting. “This is not only a great benefit to Californians with disabilities, but to the economy of our state as well. I’m proud that CalABLE and other statewide organizations supporting people with disabilities were part of this effort to help individuals take important steps toward independence.”

The I AM ABLE Disability Job Fair is the only disability-focused job fair in the region designed by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. An accessibility team composed of individuals who are deaf, blind, or autistic, as well as individuals who use wheelchairs, ensured that accessibility was a top priority.

To accommodate diverse needs, the event featured:

  • On-site American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters
  • Braille signage
  • Spanish language interpreters
  • A quiet interview space
  • Service animal water and relief areas
  • Mobility assistance

PRIDE Industries also provided on-the-spot resume critiques, interview training, and guidance on maximizing the job fair experience. Employers participated in pre-event training webinars to learn how to engage effectively with candidates with disabilities. New this year were breakout sessions and on-site computer assistance for job seekers, who submitted online job interest forms to employers.

“The I AM ABLE Disability Job Fair continues to serve as a dynamic hiring platform, allowing candidates to showcase their skills and employers to recognize the immense talent within the disability community,” said Olsen.

About PRIDE Industries

PRIDE Industries delivers business excellence with a positive social impact. A social enterprise, we provide facilities operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, packaging and fulfillment services, and placement services to private and public organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries’ mission is to create employment for people with disabilities. Through personalized employment services, we help individuals realize their true potential and lead more independent lives. PRIDE Industries proves the value of its inclusive workforce model through operational success across multiple industries every day.

Media Contact
Kat Maudru
(916) 753-4339

media@prideindustries.com

PRIDE Industries is a social enterprise delivering business excellence to public and private organizations nationwide.