Supporting Veterans & Helping companies

Kristina Koné has built her career at the intersection of talent, business growth, and innovation. As Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Veterans Launch Inc, she leads with the conviction that Veterans are one of the strongest investments companies can make. She believes corporations already spend heavily on contracting work, and by channeling that investment into Veteran talent, they gain professionals with strong work ethic who are adaptable, resilient, and equipped with the leadership skills that drive measurable business results.

Before founding Veterans Launch Inc, Kristina Koné served as CEO of Social-Bound Global, a human resources consulting firm with clients including MongoDB, iRhythm Technologies, One Kings Lane, and Bitwise Asset Management. She also founded Athletes Launch Inc, where she pioneered the first platform to directly connect current and former college athletes to sponsorships, endorsements, and career opportunities at the local, national, and international level. These ventures highlight her ability to anticipate market needs, create solutions, and deliver impact at scale. 

With roots in talent acquisition and a track record of leading organizations through IPOs and periods of explosive growth at companies such as Oracle, Quest Software, and Google, Kristina Koné is known for building agile teams and cultures that thrive under change. For her, bridging corporate talent gaps with the strengths, adaptability, and strong work ethic of U.S. military Veterans isn't just strategy, it's her mission and calling.

Rodolfo Carrizales is a retired U.S. Army Senior Noncommissioned Officer with over 20 years of leadership, strategic planning, and operational management experience. He began his path of service in 1997 and went on to hold progressive leadership roles across multiple duty stations in the U.S. and abroad. Throughout his distinguished career, Carrizales served in critical leadership and advisory positions, deploying multiple times in support of combat and multinational missions. He led teams ranging from small squads to a 200-person formation, overseeing training, readiness, and the management of over $10 million in assets. His assignments included multinational task force operations in Central America, and senior staff roles focused on planning, logistics, and resource allocation. Known for building high-performing teams, he consistently improved organizational effectiveness in demanding and dynamic environments.

Following his military retirement, Carrizales transitioned his expertise into business and technology. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in management and finance. He has since consulted on workforce optimization, and supported veteran-focused initiatives designed to connect talent with mission-driven organizations. His professional experience spans operations management, strategic planning, HR and workforce development, project management, and technology integration. With a unique ability to translate complex challenges into actionable strategies, Carrizales brings the balanced perspective of both a proven military leader and a modern business professional.

A two-time Bronze Star Medal recipient and the recipient of multiple other honors,  Carrizales remains committed to excellence, mentorship, and community impact. He is passionate about empowering others, building resilient organizations, and driving operational success. Rodolfo Carrizales shared, "I joined Veterans Launch because I believe veterans deserve more than recognition. They deserve real opportunities that allow their service to translate into meaningful careers and lasting success."