About Us

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The purpose of the Gulf Coast Mil Connect is to support, inspire, and inform military personnel, military spouses, and veterans, as they plan, establish, and strive to achieve life and career goals, and transition from the military with the intent and hope that they will continue to lead fulfilling, satisfying, and productive lives.  

Our vision is to see transitioning Veterans and military spouses equipped with tools and resources to mitigate transitioning Veteran stress and address military spouses un/underemployment.

Darci Hook is a highly motivated and trustworthy professional, bringing over 20 years of experience in leadership, business intelligence, and data analysis. She is currently serving as the President of the Board of Directors for Gulf Coast MilConnect, an organization dedicated to assisting transitioning military veterans and spouses through education, collaboration, and networking opportunities.

With a background in senior program analysis and optimization at Annalect, Darci has developed end-to-end Power BI solutions and led data pipeline projects, resulting in streamlined reporting processes and actionable insights for clients. Her resourcefulness in initiating the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Fellowship Program underscores her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Darci's military service as a Flight Officer in the United States Navy further enriches her leadership capabilities. She has a proven track record of overseeing safety protocols, conducting data-driven analyses, and optimizing operational readiness. As the President of the Board of Directors for Gulf Coast MilConnect, Darci leads strategic initiatives, coordinates networking events, and provides invaluable support to transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans in the Florida Gulf Coast region.

Darci holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science from the University of West Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Memphis. Her certifications in Google Data Analytics reflect her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. Darci's passion for leveraging data insights, fostering inclusivity, and supporting military communities makes her an exemplary leader in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Kitty Hauk is currently serving as vice president on the Gulf Coast MilConnect board of directors. She and her family have lived in Pensacola, Florida, since 2018, when they settled here after she served in the US Navy.

As part of the US Navy Aviation community, Kitty held various leadership positions as an AT during her tenure at NAS Pensacola and NAS Oceana and onboard CVN-69 Dwight D. Eisenhower during the 2016 deployment.

Kitty holds a Bachelor's Degree from AMU, a Master's in Education from UWF, and is currently pursuing her MBA through AMU. She is the Director of Education and training for GovCIO, a DoD contracting firm with a local office in Pensacola.

As a former military spouse, veteran, and hiring manager within the military community, Kitty understands the drive to continue serving the community and the nation's defense services after active duty.

Seasoned financial executive with a distinguished military background and a fervent commitment to supporting and empowering military personnel, veterans, and their families through effective financial stewardship, strategic leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. Leveraging a successful career in the United States Marine Corps, Heyling brings a unique blend of leadership, discipline, and service-oriented values to the finance sector, aligning seamlessly with the mission of Gulf Coast MilConnect. Known for implementing effective sourcing strategies, negotiating favorable contracts, and driving operational efficiencies, Heyling has a proven track record of excellence in precisely navigating complex financial landscapes.

Heyling's military service has instilled values of integrity, accountability, and adaptability, qualities that resonate deeply with the mission of Gulf Coast Mil Connect. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by transitioning veterans and military spouses, Heyling is committed to providing the necessary tools and resources to mitigate transitioning veteran stress and address military spouse unemployment/underemployment. Her entrepreneurial mindset further enriches her ability to identify innovative solutions and drive sustainable growth that supports the organization's vision.

With a Master of Supply Chain Management from American Military University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kennesaw State University, complemented by bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish and expertise in SAP and ERP systems, Heyling is poised to drive financial excellence and strategic growth as a CFO at Gulf Coast MilConnect, contributing to the organization's vision of equipping transitioning veterans and military spouses with the tools and resources needed to lead fulfilling and successful post-military lives.