The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) is honored to recognize Lockheed Martin with the Large Employer of the Year Award for recruiting and retaining employees with disabilities. We are proud to share  acceptance remarks from Mr. Greg Ulmer Executive Vice President at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. This award-winning Fort Worth-based corporation received the top score on Disability: IN’s 2020 Disability Equality Index®, which recognizes employers for creating equitable and accessible opportunities for all potential employees. Their Able & Allies Business Resource Group continuously works to increase access and opportunity for employees with disabilities, developing strong partnerships with corporate allies who are committed to advancing disability inclusion and equality across their businesses in the United States and around the world. A commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace helps drive innovation at Lockheed Martin by ensuring a range of perspectives are represented. 

As we look back on a successful 2021 we want to acknowledge the important role that disability Employer Resource Groups / Business Relations Groups have on creating a successful inclusive workplace. GCPD Executive Director Ron Lucey said “Texas Employers like Lockheed Martin serve as role models for other businesses across the Lone Star State to meet their workforce needs by utilizing the untapped talent pool of qualified workers with disabilities. Establishing a ERG/BRG in your company can help open the doors of opportunity and innovation for workers with disabilities and their employers.” To get started, the GCPD recommends following the tips in the National Disability IN’s ERG/BRG Toolkit.

Looking ahead to a prosperous 2022, the GCPD invites nominations for our Lex Frieden Employment Awards throughout the year, recognizing the many Texas employers creating greater opportunities for all Texans.