Special Operators Transition Foundation

Special Operators Transition Foundation Special Operators Transition Foundation, formally Your Grateful Nation is a veteran-run public charity helping U.S.

Since 2013, the Special Operators Transition Foundation™ (SOTF) has provided the most tailored veterans transition program for top-tier Special Operations leaders in order to strengthen America’s best businesses and communities with elite veteran talent. special forces transition from military to civilian life and corporate America.

You're Not Hiring a Manager. You're Selecting a Leader.One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is interviewing le...
08/28/2026

You're Not Hiring a Manager. You're Selecting a Leader.

One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is interviewing leadership candidates the same way they interview managers.

They're not the same.

Managers execute systems. Leaders shape culture. Managers focus on today's objectives. Leaders prepare organizations for tomorrow's challenges.

Yet too many executive interviews focus on résumés and technical qualifications instead of the question that matters most:
Can this person lead our organization when the path forward isn't clear?

Leadership is revealed through judgment, influence, humility, and the ability to inspire others, not simply through titles on a résumé.

Here are five ways to identify true leaders:
1. Interview for Judgment, Not Just Experience
Ask about decisions made with incomplete information, changing course, and taking accountability for difficult outcomes. Leadership means making sound decisions when certainty doesn't exist.

2. Build an Executive Interview Team
Have executives, peers, HR, and key stakeholders evaluate different dimensions of leadership, from strategy and collaboration to culture and communication.

3. Spend More Time Discussing Failure
Success shows capability. Failure reveals character. Look for candidates who own setbacks, learn from them, and grow.

4. Watch How They Lead During the Interview
Pay attention to how they listen, ask questions, engage others, and communicate. Great leaders create confidence in the room before they're ever hired.

5. Know When It's Time to Decide
Once your team has enough information and independently reaches the same conclusion, trust the process. Exceptional candidates rarely stay available for long.

At the Special Operators Transition Foundation, we prepare military leaders for success long before they sit down with a hiring team. Through coaching, executive interview preparation, leadership translation, and mentorship, we help organizations see the leader behind the résumé.

What interview question has consistently helped you identify exceptional leaders, not just qualified managers?

Kerry Black
SOTF Director of Corporate Engagement

08/27/2026

Our Fellows, Our Way.

Thank you, Kevin, for sharing your experience so far in the program. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support you in your transition and be part of your journey.

We’re excited to see all that’s ahead for you.

Learn more about our program at https://hubs.ly/Q04vxKbV0

A week and a half later, and we’re still talking about this night in Nashville.Some of America’s most dedicated patriots...
08/26/2026

A week and a half later, and we’re still talking about this night in Nashville.

Some of America’s most dedicated patriots came together for an unforgettable evening of heroic stories, incredible music, and a shared commitment to supporting our nation’s special operators.

Because of those who stepped up, our Fellows, their families, and their communities will feel the impact long after the night ended.

One night. One mission. An impact that lasts.

If you weren’t there this year, make sure you’re in the room next year.

Until then, check out our events page and find your next opportunity to be part of the mission. 🇺🇸
https://hubs.ly/Q04vnF_y0

Droplight
JDC Power
Farm Bureau
Banc Card of America
Optum
GAF
AllianceBernstein
Greek Development
Heritage Distribution
Highspring
The Back Nine Golf Clarksville
Claris Health
Four Branches Bourbon

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Michelle Gottschalk has successfully transitioned into a Lead Planner in the G...
08/25/2026

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Michelle Gottschalk has successfully transitioned into a Lead Planner in the G2 under Intelligence Security & Cooperation at Marine Forces Europe Africa (MARFOREUR/AF).

Michelle is a seasoned Special Operations intelligence officer and DoD civilian who recently completed five years of active service in the United States Army as a CW4 after 24 years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Michelle’s accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Michelle is the senior HUMINT officer at Special Operations Command Europe. During her tenure, she served as the HUMINT Operations Chief and covered down as the J2X at both Theater Special Operations Commands Europe and Africa. Michelle is also a certified Foreign Disclosure Officer and was the command FDO at Special Operations Command Africa. She is a dual-persona Department of Defense civilian transitioning back to federal service after five years of Contingency Active-Duty Operational Support and Active-Duty Operational Support supporting two TSOCs.

🇺🇸 Michelle is an energetic unifier whose optimism and work ethic inspire others to push through challenges and stay focused on the goal. She builds strong relationships, fosters collaboration, and channels team energy into coordinated action that achieves results.

🇺🇸 Michelle has two master’s degrees (Diplomacy & Sports Management).

🇺🇸 Michelle is prioritizing her free time to raise her son and doing as much as she can while he is still small, including seeing more of Europe. She will remain involved as a U-16 tackle football coach and continue to impart her wisdom from years of playing with the young kids participating in the Stuttgart Scorpions.

"The SOTF Team brings so much drive and determination to fellows. They welcomed me with open arms and provided me with tremendous opportunities to network with fellows and alumni. Whatever I needed, the team was there to provide me with the path and runway to explore and be successful. I appreciate the responsiveness of the core team and the coaches, as I was not just going through one life-changing transition, but also expecting our firstborn at the same time. I know I have allies in my corner, even after I am done with this next chapter."

To learn more about Michelle’s incredible leadership journey, connect with her on LinkedIn.

Listen to UnderstandThe most influential leaders I've served with had one thing in common… they listened more than they ...
08/21/2026

Listen to Understand

The most influential leaders I've served with had one thing in common… they listened more than they spoke.

After 34 years in uniform, I've come to believe that listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills. Not listening so you can respond… listening so you can understand.

The leaders who made the greatest impact on me didn't have all the answers. They asked thoughtful questions. They sought different perspectives. They created an environment where people felt heard, valued, and respected.

Too often we're preparing our response before the other person has even finished speaking.

Leadership isn't about waiting for your turn to talk… it's about being genuinely curious. It's about understanding someone's story before offering your own. That lesson has served me just as well in transition out of uniform, as it did when I was in. I only wish I had learned earlier in my career.

Whether I'm meeting with a transitioning SOTF Fellow, a business leader, a donor, or a strategic partner, I've learned that the most meaningful conversations begin with sincere questions, not polished answers.

I've also discovered something else. People rarely remember exactly what you said, they remember how you made them feel.

Did they feel heard?

Did they feel respected?

Did they feel like they mattered?

At SOTF, we see the power of listening every day. Coaches listening to Fellows. Alumni sharing experiences with those walking the same path. Employers seeking to understand the unique value Special Operators bring to their organizations. Donors listening to the incredible stories that remind them why this mission matters.

Those conversations build trust, and trust builds relationships.

Leadership isn't measured by how much people hear from you… it's measured by how well people feel heard BY you.

Without question, one of the greatest gifts we can give another person isn't our advice… it's our attention.

Listen to them… listen to understand.

Keith Pritchard
Director of Development
SOTF Alum

08/20/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our Nashville event series, from our incredible donors and sponsors to everyone who joined us for the Gala and Golf Event.

Because of your generosity and support, we were able to raise critical funds for our program and Fellows. We’re so grateful for this community and everyone who continues to stand behind our mission.

Thank you for making it all possible! 🇺🇸

Droplight
JDC Power
SomethingInked
Farm Bureau
Banc Card of America
Optum
GAF
AllianceBernstein
Greek Development
Heritage Distribution
Highspring
The Back Nine Golf Clarksville
Four Branches Bourbon

The X-Factor in SOF Transition: Why We Put Operators in the Room with Decision-MakersLast week, SOTF wrapped up two tran...
08/19/2026

The X-Factor in SOF Transition: Why We Put Operators in the Room with Decision-Makers

Last week, SOTF wrapped up two transformative days in Nashville with an incredible group of a dozen transitioning special operators.

Over 48 hours, we hosted four expert-led panels, brought together 14 Middle Tennessee organizations and employers, and connected these operators with more than two dozen leaders across those organizations. The energy in the room was unmatched: candid conversations about culture fit, translating military leadership into corporate value, and the very human experience of walking away from a life of service. There is no substitute for looking someone in the eye and hearing their story.

This is how we build on the foundation our fellows have already established through executive coaching, mentorship pairings, and business connectivity. A transition fellowship isn't just about résumés; it's about proximity to opportunity, and the trust that can only be built through personal connection.

Networking isn't a buzzword in this community. It's the bridge between a distinguished career of service and a purposeful second act.

We're building something no one else offers: a structured, 12-month pipeline that layers personal connection directly onto the coaching and mentoring our operators already receive, giving them direct access to decision-makers who understand their value.

If you're an organization ready to hire talent that thrives under pressure, leads with purpose, and delivers when it counts, reach out.

These men and women are ready to lead again.

IMPACT Consulting
FourKites, Inc.
Rockwood Homes
Parking Management Company
AllianceBernstein
FirstBank
Bank of America
Highspring
Banc Card of America
ClarisHealth Inc. - Payment Integrity Tech for Health Plans
Vaco by Highspring
Apex Service Partners
The Gunter Group

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Careese Collier-Price has successfully transitioned into a Mission Integration...
08/18/2026

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Careese Collier-Price has successfully transitioned into a Mission Integration Engineer role with Anduril Industries.

Careese is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the U.S. Army as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer after 25 years of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Careese’s accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Careese served in multiple leadership and technical roles throughout his career, including Director of Institutional Academics, Company Sergeant Major, Team Sergeant, and Technical Operations Capabilities Developer. Across these assignments, he led teams, managed mission-critical systems, and supported complex operations in demanding environments.

🇺🇸 Careese is known for his ability to solve complex problems in ambiguous, high-pressure environments while translating operational requirements into reliable technical solutions.

🇺🇸 He holds a Bachelor of Science in Cloud and Network Engineering. He also holds multiple certifications in various technical areas, including AWS Cloud, Networking, project management, digital media forensics, and microcontrollers.

🇺🇸 Careese enjoys spending time with his family, working on various technical projects, and flying around the local area in a Cessna 172.

“The SOTF Team was invaluable in preparing me for my transition out of the Army. They have a well-developed program that not only helped me understand my value as an experienced leader but also, through their individualized approach and tools, helped me better understand what I value and what motivates me as I move into the next chapter and career. They were instrumental in my successful transition, and I want to thank the SOTF team for their commitment to each SOTF Fellow. I encourage every transitioning Special Operations service member to take advantage of the opportunities SOTF provides.”

To learn more about Careese’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Mac Ferguson has successfully transitioned to the role of Program Manager – SO...
08/11/2026

The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Mac Ferguson has successfully transitioned to the role of Program Manager – SOCOM with Allen Control Systems.

Mac is a seasoned Special Operations leader currently completing his service in the U.S. Army as a Captain after nearly a decade of selfless service.

A snapshot of some of Mac’s accomplishments includes:

🇺🇸 Mac commissioned as a Military Intelligence Officer before later becoming a Special Forces Officer and Detachment Commander within 19th Special Forces Group. Throughout his career, he led teams and operations across multiple countries in support of strategic objectives, partner force development, and interagency coordination efforts.

🇺🇸 Mac has built a reputation for operating at the intersection of strategy, operations, and technology, helping translate complex operational problems into executable solutions while aligning teams, decision-makers, and technical stakeholders in high-pressure environments.

🇺🇸 Mac earned a Bachelor of Arts from The Citadel and is currently pursuing his MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where he continues to build on his operational background to drive meaningful impact in the defense technology space.

🇺🇸 Outside of work, Mac enjoys helping fellow veterans navigate transition and find purpose beyond the military, staying active through fitness, spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, and making time for family and close friends.

“SOTF played a major role in helping me navigate the transition process and better understand how to translate my experiences into opportunities outside the military. The mentorship, network, and guidance the team provided were invaluable throughout the process.”

To learn more about Mac’s leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.

We were truly honored to be part of the Cobb International Film Festival and grateful for the opportunity to present the...
08/11/2026

We were truly honored to be part of the Cobb International Film Festival and grateful for the opportunity to present the Veteran Director Award to "Worst Day Ever" and its talented director, Ryan Myhand.

Joshua Johnson, SOTF CEO, was honored to present the award and share a few words in celebration of the incredible talent and dedication behind the film. We deeply appreciated the opportunity to be part of such a special evening, recognizing the power of storytelling and the filmmakers who bring these stories to life.

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1643B Savannah Highway #421
Charleston, SC
29407

Telephone

+18508555940

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