Retaining Talent, Defending the Mission

Presented by ClearanceJobs and Carahsoft

Victor Minella, CEO of Manella Global Strategies and former Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Intelligence and Security, used his time at ClearanceJobs Connect 2025 to issue both a warning and a call to action.

“Roughly 300,000 federal employees will be reentering the workforce this year,” he said. “That’s a massive opportunity—and a massive risk.”

If the government and its industry partners fail to engage these professionals quickly, Minella warned, “we could face a brain drain unlike anything we’ve seen.”

He urged hiring managers and recruiters to emphasize versatility. “You don’t need the perfect job right away,” he said. “Land a great job first—one that keeps you in the mission.”

Communication skills, he noted, remain timeless. “Whether you’re an engineer or an analyst, you must be able to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively,” he said. “Those who can communicate effectively will always be in demand.”

Minella also highlighted emerging threats in information advantage and cognitive warfare—areas where communication and analytical skills intersect. “Our adversaries are using open-source information and influence campaigns to shape perceptions,” he said. “We need a workforce that can defend against that.”

Ultimately, he said, everyone has a role in recruitment and retention. “We are all recruiters and retention specialists,” he emphasized. “It’s not just OPM or a single agency’s responsibility.”

He called on leaders across sectors to mentor, champion, and advocate for those in transition. “For many, this is the most significant career shift of their lives,” he said. “We need to meet them where they are, help them find purpose, and keep their talent in service to the nation.”

Minella’s words closed the event on a human note. “If we don’t champion this workforce,” he said, “we risk losing their experience—and with it, a piece of our national security advantage.”