Con Edison proudly employs nearly 700 people who served in the military before joining Con Edison, as well as around 60 Reservists, some of whom are actively deployed.
Veterans are a vital part of what makes Con Edison a leader in diversity and inclusion. We want all our employees to feel welcome and included, and we’ve been recognized for our ability to achieve that for our veterans and reservists: Con Edison has received 23 Patriot awards over the years, three in 2018, two in 2019, and so far one in 2020. The company received a Seven Seals Award in 2018, as well as the Pro Patria Award from the New York State Committee of the Employee Support for Guard and Reserves—an honor that goes to companies that truly support veterans and reservists. In 2019, Con Edison received an additional Seven Seals award, recognizing Deeann Ostrowski, general manager of electric services, for her leadership in revamping the veterans leave policy.
Con Edison was named “Top Veteran-Friendly Company” in 2021 and 2022 by U.S. Veterans Magazine, as well as one of the “Best of the Best” employers for veterans in 2019. The company has also been honored by Military Times in 2018, 2019, and 2020 by ranking us 48th, then 33th, and now 8th out of the top 100 Companies in their Best for Vets survey. The Lifetime Network’s 2019 program Military Makeover’s Special Edition: “Operation Career,” documents Con Edison’s efforts to proactively recruit service members through job fairs, veteran-specific programs, and scouting programs.
Within the company, an employee resource group for veterans worked with our Human Resources department to improve the Con Edison’s military leave policy, making it more attractive to recruit and retain Reserve and National Guard personnel, as well as assist employees by removing some of the financial burdens associated with Reservist annual training and mobilizations. They also collaborated with our Office of Diversity & Inclusion to develop a Military Engagement Leader position in the Recruitment department who specifically targets military prospects for employment at Con Edison.
Through Strategic Partnerships’ grants, the company sponsors many events and resources supporting veterans, including the United War Veterans Council sponsorship for the Veterans Day Parade; USO funding for Covid-19 military response efforts; Con Edison Post 1174 community activities for the American Legion; Blue Star Families; NPower, a cybersecurity training program for veterans; and Housing Plus Solutions strengthening employment services for formerly homeless female veterans. In addition, our employees volunteer their time and skills to many organizations and programs supporting veterans, including Wreaths across America, the USO, Marine Toys for Tots, Blue Star Families, Habitat for Humanity and many more.
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