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U.S. MORTGAGE LENDING RISES IN Q3 2024 AMID REFINANCING SURGE, BUT REMAINS BELOW HISTORIC HIGHS

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Residential Lending Grows Just 2 Percent Even as Rates Keep Declining; Refinance and Home-Equity Deals Rise While Purchase Loans Decrease

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property data, and real estate analytics, today released its third-quarter 2024 U.S. Residential Property Mortgage Origination Report, which shows that 1.67 million mortgages secured by residential property (1 to 4 units) were issued in the United States during the third quarter. That led to modest quarterly and annual increases of 1.9 percent.

The growth marked the second straight quarterly gain – a pattern not seen for more than three years. But even as home-mortgage rates dropped close to 6 percent for a 30-year fixed loan by the end of Q3 2024, the increase in business for lenders was far below a spike during the Spring of 2024 and still left total mortgages off by nearly two-thirds from a high point hit in 2021.

The latest trend resulted from improvements in refinance and home-equity lending as opposed to more buyers taking out loans. Mortgage rollovers increased 6.9 percent quarterly, to about 588,000, while home-equity packages went up 2.3 percent, to roughly 297,000.

Those improvements more than made up for a 1.7 percent decrease in purchase loans, to 782,000, as the annual peak home-buying season wound down and supplies of properties for sale remained tight.

Measured monetarily, lenders issued roughly $550 billion worth of residential mortgages in the third quarter of 2024. That was up 2.9 percent from the second quarter of 2024 and 6.6 percent from the third quarter of last year.

The differing pattern of increases among various loan types slightly raised the portion of all residential mortgages represented by refinance and home-equity credit lines, while lowering the purchase component. Still, purchase loans remained the most common form of mortgages around the U.S. during the third quarter, comprising almost half.

“Mortgage lending rose again in the third quarter, but at a far slower pace than during the Spring of this year when activity spiked nearly 25 percent,” said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “The latest increase, small as it was, likely came mainly from homeowners trading higher-rate loans they got in 2021 and 2022 for cheaper mortgages resulting from declining mortgage rates. But it looked like the third-quarter rate dip wasn’t as helpful for purchase lending as buyers kept facing elevated prices and low supplies of properties for sale.”

The latest lending trends reflected another round of mixed forces affecting home sales and the cost of borrowing. Average 30-year mortgage rates dropped a full percentage point in the third quarter, the kind of decline that can save homeowners thousands of dollars a year on all kinds of loans. But the number of homes for sale remained at some of the lowest levels in the past decade, which continues putting a damper on the market, and purchase loans.

Total lending up again but still far below peaks
Banks and other lenders issued a total of 1,666,816 residential mortgages in the third quarter of 2024, up from 1,636,073 in the second quarter of 2024 and from 1,635,056 in the third quarter of 2023.

Total activity rose for the second quarter in a row – a pattern that hadn’t happened since early in 2021. But the latest figure still remained 60 percent behind a recent high point of 4,165,695 hit in the first quarter of 2021 when average 30-year mortgages rate hovered around 3 percent.

A total of $553.1 billion was lent to homeowners and buyers in the third quarter of this year. That was up from $537.5 billion in the prior quarter and from $518.6 billion in the third quarter of 2023, although still less than half the recent peak of $1.3 trillion in 2021.

Overall lending activity also rose quarterly and annually in a majority of metropolitan areas around the U.S. with enough data to analyze. The total increased from the second quarter to the third quarter of this year in 125, or 60.4 percent, of the 207 metropolitan statistical areas that had a population of 200,000 or more and at least 1,000 total residential mortgages issued from July through September of 2024.

The largest quarterly increases came in Anchorage, AK (total lending up 78.6 percent from the second quarter of 2024 to the third quarter of 2024); Yuma, AZ (up 33.3 percent); Ann Arbor, MI (up 33 percent); Huntington, WV (up 21 percent) and Trenton, NJ (up 20.5 percent).

Metro areas with a population of least 1 million that had the biggest increases in total loans from the second to the third quarter of 2024 were Rochester, NY (up 20.1 percent); Detroit, MI (up 14.7 percent); Grand Rapids, MI (up 13.5 percent); San Diego, CA (up 13.2 percent) and Hartford, CT (up 12.7 percent).

Metro areas with enough data to analyze where lending went down the most quarterly were Boulder, CO (down 44.3 percent); St. Louis, MO (down 36.5 percent); Jackson, MS (down 25.2 percent); Myrtle Beach, SC (down 20.4 percent) and Springfield, MO (down 19.4 percent)

Measured annually, the largest increases in total lending among metro areas with a population of at least 1 million were in Orlando, FL (total lending up 29.3 percent from the third quarter of 2023 to the third quarter of 2024); San Jose, CA (up 28.7 percent); San Diego, CA (up 27.9 percent); Honolulu, HI (up 25.9 percent) and Tucson, AZ (up 17.6 percent).

Purchase mortgages decline amid tight market but still make up almost 50 percent of all lending
While overall third-quarter lending activity increased, the number of mortgages issued to home buyers was down both quarterly and annually. The count of purchase loans remained only half of where it stood in 2021.

The third-quarter total of 782,220 was off from 796,046 in the second quarter of 2024, 814,610 in the third quarter of 2023 and 1.6 million in mid-2021.

The latest dollar volume of purchase loans, $306.6 billion, was 2.5 percent less than the $314.3 billion second-quarter level, although still up 0.8 percent from $304.1 billion a year earlier. It sat 43 percent below the 2021 peak

Residential purchase-mortgage originations decreased quarterly in 55.1 percent of the 207 metro areas in the report and annually in 56 percent of those markets.

The largest quarterly decreases were in Boulder, CO (purchase loans down 50.1 percent from the second quarter of 2024 to the third quarter of 2024); St. Louis, MO (down 42.4 percent); Springfield, MO (down 25.7 percent); Savannah, GA (down 25 percent) and Lake Havasu City, AZ (down 23.1 percent).

Including St. Louis, the biggest quarterly decreases in metro areas with a population of at least 1 million in the third quarter of 2024 came in Austin, TX (down 20.6 percent); San Francisco, CA (down 17.7 percent); Tucson, AZ (down 16.8 percent) and Atlanta, GA (down 15 percent).

The top annual decreases in purchase lending in metro areas with a population of at least 1 million were in St. Louis, MO (down 50.3 percent from the third quarter of 2023 to the third quarter of 2024); Austin, TX (down 48.2 percent); Houston, TX (down 29.7 percent); Dallas, TX (down 22.5 percent) and Raleigh, NC (down 21.3 percent).

Refinance mortgages up to highest level in two years
As interest rates declined during the third quarter of this year, lenders issued 587,691 residential refinance mortgages. That was up from 549,812 in the second quarter of 2024 and 539,738 a year earlier.

The most recent figure stood out as the most since the third quarter of 2022. It represented the latest in a series of increases following a spike in interest rates in 2021 and 2022 that caused refinance lending to plummet more than 80 percent.

The $191.1 billion dollar volume of refinance packages in the third quarter of 2024 was up 13.5 percent from $168.5 billion in the prior quarter and up 16.1 percent, from $164.7 billion, in the third quarter of 2023.

Refinancing activity increased quarterly in 75.8 percent and annually in 75.4 percent of the metro areas around the U.S. with enough data to analyze.

The largest quarterly increases were in Anchorage, AK (refinance loans up 59.1 percent from the second to the third quarter of 2024); Ann Arbor, MI (up 46.9 percent); Vallejo, CA (up 46.7 percent); Colorado Springs, CO (up 42.4 percent) and Charlottesville, VA (up 41.7 percent).

Metro areas with a population of least 1 million where refinance activity increased most quarterly were San Jose, CA (up 28.7 percent); Milwaukee, WI (up 27.4 percent); San Diego, CA (up 27.2 percent); Richmond, VA (up 24.4 percent) and Los Angeles, CA (up 24 percent).

Metro areas with a population of least 1 million and the largest year-over-year increases in the number of refinance loans were San Diego, CA (up 62.5 percent from the third quarter of 2023 to the third quarter of 2024); San Jose, CA (up 59.1 percent); Los Angeles, CA (up 40.3 percent); Seattle, WA (up 39.8 percent) and Las Vegas, NV (up 39.3 percent).

Refinance packages comprised 35.3 percent of all loan originations in the third quarter of 2024. That was up from 33.6 percent in the prior quarter but far less than the 65.8 percent portion in early 2021.

HELOC lending up quarterly and annually
Home-equity lines of credit (HELOCs) also increased, to 296,905 in the latest three-month period. That was up from 290,215 in the second quarter of 2024 and 280,708 in the third quarter of last year. The improvement continued to reverse losses sustained from 2022 into early 2024.

The $55.4 billion volume of HELOC loans in the third quarter of 2024 was up from $54.7 billion in the prior quarter and from the $49.8 billion lent in the third quarter of last year.

HELOCs comprised 17.8 percent of all loans in the most recent quarter. That was almost the same as the 17.7 percent portion in the second quarter of 2024 but still almost four times the level recorded in early 2021.

HELOC mortgage originations increased from the second quarter to the third quarter of 2024 in 63.1 percent of the metro areas analyzed. The largest quarterly increases in metro areas with a population of at least 1 million were in Fresno, CA (up 33.4 percent); Hartford, CT (up 29.5 percent); Louisville, KY (up 22.9 percent); San Antonio, TX (up 20.8 percent) and San Jose, CA (up 20.6 percent).

FHA mortgage level holds steady while VA loan portion rises
Lenders issued 229,196 mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) during the third quarter, or 13.8 percent of all residential property loans. That was unchanged from the second quarter of this year after 10 consecutive quarterly increases but was down from 15.1 percent in the third quarter of 2023.

Residential loans backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) totaled 97,669, or 5.9 percent of all residential property loans originated in the third quarter of 2024. That was up from 5 percent in the previous quarter and 4.8 percent in the third quarter of 2023.

Report methodology
ATTOM analyzed recorded mortgage and deed of trust data for single-family homes, condos, town homes and multi-family properties of two to four units for this report. Each recorded mortgage or deed of trust was counted as a separate loan origination. Dollar volume was calculated by multiplying the total number of loan originations by the average loan amount for those loan originations.

About ATTOM 
ATTOM provides premium property data and analytics that power a myriad of solutions that improve transparency, innovation, digitization and efficiency in a data-driven economy. ATTOM multi-sources property tax, deed, mortgage, foreclosure, environmental risk, natural hazard, and neighborhood data for more than 155 million U.S. residential and commercial properties covering 99 percent of the nation’s population. A rigorous data management process involving more than 20 steps validates, standardizes, and enhances the real estate data collected by ATTOM, assigning each property record with a persistent, unique ID — the ATTOM ID. The 30TB ATTOM Data Warehouse fuels innovation in many industries including mortgage, real estate, insurance, marketing, government and more through flexible data delivery solutions that include ATTOM Cloud, bulk file licenses, property data APIs, real estate market trends, property navigator and more. Also, introducing our newest innovative solution, making property data more readily accessible and optimized for AI applications – AI-Ready Solutions.

Media Contact:
Megan Hunt
Megan.hunt@attomdata.com

Data and Report Licensing:
949.502.8313
datareports@attomdata.com

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4MOMS® LAUNCHES NEW BIRCH COLLECTION FOR THE MAMAROO BABY SWING AND BREEZE PLUS PLAYARD

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December 3, 2024

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Inspired by Nature, This Calming Color Complements Classic Decor

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 4moms®, the makers of innovative baby gear, today introduced the 4moms Birch Collection – a brand-new muted tone that is now available on the MamaRoo Baby Swing and Breeze Plus Playard.  Birch is the natural choice for parents who are looking for classic and calming colors to complement their home. Starting today, 4moms customers can purchase the new collection exclusively at 4moms.com, Babylist, Amazon, Target and specialty retailers.

The Birch Collection includes:

4moms MamaRoo Baby Swing
The multi-motion baby swing that more than 2 million consumers have come to know and love. Inspired by parents and caregivers, the MamaRoo’s motions mimic parents’ natural rhythms and movements.  SRP: $269.99.

4moms Breeze Plus Playard
With its “one push open, one pull close” functionality, this thoughtfully designed combination playard, bassinet, and flip changer is the ultimate in flexibility when it comes to baby care. SRP: $299.99.

“The 4moms Birch Collection is available on the same must-have MamaRoo Baby Swing and Breeze Plus Playard that millions of consumers have come to know and love, but now in a classic and calming natural tone that will complement anyone’s home,” explains Gary Waters, 4moms CEO.

About 4moms
4moms® has transformed the baby gear industry by leveraging technology and user-centered design to create dramatically better products, like the 4moms MamaRoo® Multi-Motion Baby Swing® that replicates the bouncing and swaying motions parents make when comforting their babies, the 4moms Breeze® Playard that opens or closes in one simple step, the 4moms MamaRoo Sleep® Bassinet, which uses unique motions to help baby fall asleep and stay asleep longer, and the 4moms® Connect High Chair®, which uses magnetic technology to make mealtime easier. The company, founded in 2005 and based in Pittsburgh, Penn, currently sells its products at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, select specialty retailers, 4moms.com and 58 countries across the world.

Keep up with all things 4moms by following us on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and Pinterest.

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42% of IT Professionals Are Exploring New Jobs: IT Talent Trends 2025 Report From Info-Tech Research Group Spotlights Retention Risks and Opportunities

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December 3, 2024

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Info-Tech Research Group’s IT Talent Trends 2025 report details critical shifts in workforce dynamics, including the growing influence of generative AI, escalating skill shortages, and the urgent need for upskilling and reskilling. Based on survey data, the report reveals that 76% of IT managers are facing increased stress, 23% of respondents view the CEO position as the logical next step for CIOs, and 66% of IT employees see generative AI as the path to greater autonomy. The research insights in the newly released report will equip leaders with the understanding of how best to enhance talent retention, address the employee experience gap, and navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with rapid technological evolution.

TORONTO, Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Info-Tech Research Group, one of the leading global IT research and advisory firms, has released its annual IT Talent Trends report. IT Talent Trends 2025 provides a data-driven analysis of the shifting dynamics in IT talent management. The report examines how generative AI, evolving skills demands, and workforce restructuring are reshaping the IT landscape and provides leaders with actionable strategies to tackle these challenges while considering how to foster innovation and employee experience in 2025.

“With 89% of IT structures undergoing some form of a redesign in 2025, we are going to see the way we lead, leverage IT skills, and deliver against emerging capabilities change rapidly,” says Brittany Lutes, research director and lead author of the report. “The IT Talent Trends 2025 report offers valuable insights and practical strategies to help leaders address workforce challenges, support employee growth, and adapt to the exponentially changing IT landscape.”

The IT Talent Trends 2025 report is based on a survey of over 500 IT professionals conducted online by Info-Tech in partnership with Centiment between April and May 2024. Respondents, primarily from the United States, Canada, and Australia, not only provided responses on their IT structures, the future of IT leadership, and their own employee experiences but also insight into how generative AI will reshape their work.

Info-Tech’s findings reveal the growing urgency for organizations to adapt to shifting workforce dynamics. With 42% of IT professionals actively or passively seeking new roles, often citing work-life balance and having a good manager as their main concerns, the firm advises that organizations must focus on retaining all IT talent while also identifying the obstacles.

“What is most notable is the divide we saw between those who are entering the workforce and representative of Gen Z employees versus those nearing the end of their careers,” says Lutes. “Gen Z is more likely to think that skills need to change to support the future we are driving toward and more likely to believe their tasks can be taken over by AI. These findings highlight the urgent need for IT leaders to evolve their talent management strategies to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.”

Demand for security, cloud, and AI professionals, coupled with the growing need to leverage organizationally embedded IT, is reshaping workforce planning and driving the need for adaptive and forward-thinking strategies.

“The integration of generative AI, combined with reskilling initiatives, provides organizations with a unique opportunity to bridge skill gaps and foster a culture of innovation,” explains Lutes. “However, achieving success requires thoughtful planning – aligning AI-driven strategies with workforce empowerment and collaboration beyond just a skills-based hiring approach.”

The IT Talent Trends 2025 report identifies five key trends shaping IT talent management:

Generative AI: A Transformative Enabler
The firm reports that by 2030, 66% of IT employees anticipate greater autonomy in their roles, enabled by generative AI. This shift has the potential to significantly enhance IT’s value creation for organizations, as employees will be able to dedicate more time to strategic initiatives and innovation. However, to capitalize on this potential, Info-Tech cautions that organizations need to proactively implement AI tools thoughtfully and strategically, investing in upskilling programs to equip IT professionals with the necessary skills to leverage AI effectively. This type of approach is critical given that 65% of organizations anticipate structural changes as a result of incorporating generative AI into their strategies, indicating the transformative impact this technology is expected to have on IT departments.Restructuring IT Organizations for the Future
While 55% of respondents believe their current IT structures are effective for today, 89% recognize the need to redesign their IT organization to future-proof their operations and better align with evolving business demands. These findings suggest that while current IT structures may be functioning adequately for now, IT leaders are proactively anticipating future challenges and recognizing the need to adapt to stay ahead of the curve. Key drivers include critical skills shortages, generative AI integration, and the rise of business-led IT functions, requiring both technical and cultural adjustments. These adjustments may consist of establishing specialized AI teams, integrating IT functions more closely with business units, or adopting more agile and flexible operating models to accommodate evolving demands. The shift away from traditional, rigid pyramid hierarchies toward flatter, more dynamic structures is becoming increasingly necessary to support innovation and adaptability. This wave of restructuring is expected to have a significant impact on the IT talent landscape, leading to the increased need for specialized skills, a shift in required competencies for IT leaders, and a greater focus on attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.Skills Gap and the Urgency of Reskilling
A significant 95% of survey respondents acknowledge that some, most, or all of their current IT skills will need to change by 2030 to keep pace with the exponentially evolving technology environment. This finding emphasizes the pressing need for continuous reskilling, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and AI/ML, which 38% of leaders identified as critical for 2025. While this data highlights a widespread recognition of the need for upskilling, a concerning 51% believe that only some skills require updating, indicating a potential underestimation of the scale of transformation occurring in the IT industry. According to Info-Tech’s research, organizations that fail to invest in developing their IT workforce risk being left behind in terms of innovation and efficiency. Dependence on external resources to address internal skills gaps may become increasingly unviable, making internal reskilling efforts essential.Bridging the Employee Experience Disconnect
While 86% of IT leaders indicate they are prioritizing improving the employee experience (EX), their efforts may be misdirected, as 39% of IT employees reveal that reliable digital tools and technology have the greatest impact on their experience. Organizations are performing well in areas like physical space and social relationships but are falling behind when it comes to the impactful areas IT employees care about, like digital and culture. This disconnect underscores the need for organizations to align EX investments with employee expectations, particularly in hybrid and remote work environments where seamless digital experiences are critical for productivity and job satisfaction. Given the increasing adoption of flexible work arrangements, in 2025, organizations must prioritize providing a user-friendly, efficient, and reliable digital experience for their employees to enhance engagement and optimize performance.CIOs on the Path to CEO
As technology increasingly becomes central to business strategy, 23% of respondents view the CEO position as the logical next step for CIOs, which is a reflection of the evolving prominence of CIOs in organizations, with many already reporting directly to the CEO. However, this transition requires CIOs to expand their leadership capabilities beyond technical expertise, including developing stronger strategic and business acumen. While 23% see it as a natural progression, only 11% of respondents indicated that a CEO or a senior executive role was their ultimate career goal. Another 13% aspire to other C-suite roles, including some positions that are emerging or don’t yet exist, suggesting that the future of leadership in organizations may look quite different from traditional structures, with technology expertise playing a vital role in a range of new leadership positions over the coming years.

Key Research Insights From Info-Tech’s IT Talent Trends 2025 Report:

Generative AI Impact: 65% of organizations anticipate structural changes due to generative AI, including the formation of specialized AI teams.Stress Among IT Leaders: 76% of IT managers report moderate or increasing stress levels, underscoring the need for enhanced leadership support and resources.Hiring Difficulties: 36% of IT organizations reported that infrastructure and operations roles were the most difficult to hire for, calling attention to the cloud talent shortage – another critical area of IT.Embedded IT Growth: The rise of business-led IT is evident, with organizations nearly doubling the amount of embedded IT they leverage (18% in 2024 and up to 33% in 2025). This indicates that business units are actively using their own resources to address IT-related needs – with or without IT knowledge.Generational Differences in AI Perceptions: Generational divides exist in perceptions of AI, with Gen Z employees estimating a higher percentage of their tasks being completed by AI in 2030 (56%) compared to Baby Boomers (43%) and Generation X (41%).

According to Info-Tech’s findings in the recently published report, success in 2025 and beyond hinges on IT leaders’ ability to combine technological innovation with strategic foresight and human-centric leadership. By integrating AI capabilities, investing in reskilling programs, and fostering employee-centric policies, Info-Tech advises that organizations can address talent gaps and create adaptive, resilient workforces. A holistic approach to workforce transformation will empower IT departments to thrive in the face of rapid technological change and secure a lasting competitive edge.

The firm will also be hosting an upcoming webinar on January 15, 2025, where Info-Tech’s experts will explore the report’s findings and actionable strategies. Register today to join the conversation and gain exclusive insights: IT Talent Trends 2025 Webinar.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s findings and recommended strategies for addressing IT talent challenges, download the IT Talent Trends 2025 report.

For media inquiries or interview requests with Brittany Lutes, lead author of the 2025 report and an expert on IT talent trends, please contact pr@infotech.com. 

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights. 

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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Akima Sets Benchmark for Veteran Hiring With 2025 Military Friendly® Designation

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December 3, 2024

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HERNDON, Va., Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Akima, a premier provider of products and services to the federal government, has been awarded the 2025 Military Friendly® designation. This recognition underscores Akima’s commitment to supporting veterans’ transitions into the civilian workforce. G.I. Jobs® magazine will feature Akima in the 2025 Military Friendly® Employers section of its Winter issue and on www.militaryfriendly.com.

“The ‘Military Friendly’ label is more than just a designation—it’s a promise,” said Bill Monet, Akima President & CEO. “This promise is backed by Akima’s actionable veteran hiring initiatives, such as tailored onboarding programs to address the challenges veterans face during their career transitions after military service. We are proud to receive this designation and to provide veterans with meaningful, rewarding career opportunities, reflecting our gratitude and honoring their service in a tangible way.”

The Military Friendly® designation is granted to companies that demonstrate exceptional dedication to recruiting, hiring, and training former military personnel.

“Organizations earning the Military Friendly® Employers designation the have wholeheartedly invested in comprehensive and impactful initiatives that bring about positive, life-changing results for our valued service members, dedicated military spouses, and esteemed veterans within their ranks,” said Kayla Lopez, senior director of partnerships at Military Friendly®. “We salute these exemplary employers who raise the bar and understand that hiring military personnel is not merely an act of goodwill but a testament to a standard that truly embodies sound business wisdom. Their commitment to integrating military personnel into their workforce not only reflects their compassion but also underscores their business acumen.”

One of the most immediate hurdles for veterans when re-entering the workforce is securing stable and meaningful employment. Despite possessing a wealth of skills and experience, many veterans struggle to translate their military credentials into qualifications recognized by civilian employers. Vocational training programs and employment initiatives are expanding, but significant gaps persist, leaving many veterans facing economic instability.

Over 26% of employees at Akima are veterans, and 42% of its active contracts are with the U.S. military. Akima also plays a crucial role as a partner in the Defense Department’s SkillBridge Program. This initiative aims to equip service members who leave the military with critical skills and hands-on training essential for thriving in the civilian workforce.

At Akima, veterans currently hold positions across various sectors, including as security officers, intel analysts, cybersecurity experts, cloud architects, aircraft mechanics, and engineering technicians. Akima also provides mentorship with experienced veterans, community engagement through veteran-focused events around the U.S., career development resources for continuous learning, and internal networks for mutual support among veteran employees.

Institutions earning the 22nd annual Military Friendly® Employers designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over twelve hundred companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey. VIQTORY determined methodology, criteria and weightings with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for recruitment, new hire retention, employee turnover, and the promotion and advancement of veterans and military employees.

About Akima
Akima is a global enterprise with 10,000 employees, delivering solutions to the federal government in the core areas of information technology; facilities & ground logistics; aerospace solutions; protective services; systems engineering; mission support; furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E); and construction. As a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by more than 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, Akima’s core mission is to enable superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for NANA consistent with our Iñupiat values. In 2024, Akima ranked #29 on Washington Technology’s Top 100 list of government contractors. To learn more about Akima, visit www.akima.com.

About Military Friendly® Employers
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,800 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly® designation annually. Military Friendly® ratings are owned by Viqtory, Inc., a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Viqtory is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly® lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/mfcguide/.

About VIQTORY
Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service disabled, veteran owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its owned assets such as Military Spouse Magazine®, Vetrepreneur®, G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

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