Press Announcement
Press Announcement
Dallas, TX —
November 3, 2026
DARVIS CEO Michael Prokopis Named Finalist for 2026 U.S. Forces in Business Awards
Editors Note: The following press release was originally issued by the U.S. Forces in Business Awards on November 3, 2026. DARVIS is proud to announce Michael Prokopis, has been named a finalist for Innovator of the Year. Michael's statement regarding the honor has been appended below.
Finalists Announced for 2026 U.S. Forces in Business Awards
Dallas - November 3, 2026: The finalists for the 2026 U.S. Forces in Business Awards have been unveiled today, recognizing military veterans whose achievements, leadership and contributions are making a major impact across the American economy.
More than 200,000 men and women leave active military service each year in the United States, bringing with them a wealth of skills and experience developed in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Yet despite the exceptional capabilities of this talent pool, the transition into meaningful civilian employment remains challenging for many.
Research by ZipRecruiter and the Call of Duty Endowment found that almost one-third of veterans are underemployed – working below their capability level – a rate 15.6% higher than among their non-veteran peers. The findings highlight a persistent disconnect between the skills acquired through military service and the opportunities available to those entering the civilian workforce.
Established in 2018 to help bridge this divide, the Forces in Business Awards have grown into the world’s largest celebration of veterans in the civilian workforce. Through prestigious events in the United States and United Kingdom, the program challenges outdated perceptions of military experience, shines a spotlight on role models, and encourages employers to recognize the competitive advantage of recruiting veterans.
Now in their ninth year and widely regarded as the 'Oscars of veteran employment', the Awards have honored more than 2,500 veterans and reservists, bringing together thousands of senior business and military leaders in a shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of veteran talent.
This year's Texas shortlist was selected from hundreds of nominations, reflecting the extraordinary breadth of industries, organizations and professional disciplines in which former service members are making their mark. The finalists exemplify the considerable contribution of veterans to America's economic success.
Rear Admiral (Ret) Milton "Jamie" Sands III, President and CEO of Special Operations Warrior Foundation, official charity partner of the US Forces in Business Awards, said: “Congratulations to this year’s finalists, whose achievements demonstrate the value military experience brings to business. Service develops leaders who take responsibility, build strong teams, and deliver under pressure. These finalists are putting those qualities to work in new ways, strengthening their organizations and communities while helping others see what is possible after military service.
“We also commend the employers who recognize this talent and create opportunities for veterans, reservists, and military families to thrive. At Special Operations Warrior Foundation, we honor service and sacrifice by providing comprehensive educational funding and advocacy to the children of fallen or widowed Special Operations Personnel and all Medal of Honor Recipients. We are proud to be the charity partner of these Awards and to join a community that understands the importance of investing in those who serve and the families beside them.”
Among the business trailblazers named to the shortlists is Michael Prokopis, CEO of DARVIS, who has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Innovator of the Year award.
“Being named a finalist for Innovator of the Year is a tremendous honor that reflects not just my journey, but the core ethos we live by at DARVIS,” said Prokopis, a U.S. Navy veteran. “Military service instills a deep sense of mission-critical adaptability and problem-solving—skills that are just as vital when deploying cutting-edge AI and computer vision to transform healthcare logistics. Recognizing veteran talent isn't just about closing an employment gap; it’s about unlocking the exact kind of frontline leadership and innovation that moves civilian industries forward.”
The winners will be announced on December 10, 2026, at a prestigious black-tie gala in the Lincoln Ballroom at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre.
The awards ceremony is hosted by longtime CBS News anchor and Gold Star son Doug Dunbar, and features an inspiring program of live entertainment and distinguished guest speakers, including history-making Navy SEAL Honor Graduate and star instructor on FOX’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Jovon 'Q' Quarles, and former JSOC Navy SEAL Officer, Silver Star recipient and best-selling author Mike Sarraille.
Beyond the celebrations, the Awards serve a serious, compelling purpose: to amplify visibility of military talent, expand career pathways for veterans, and help American employers overcome skills gaps by tapping into a highly capable and diverse talent pool.
As American businesses navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, the military community offers a rich source of proven leadership, adaptability, technical expertise, and problem-solving ability. Recognizing and harnessing these capabilities is not simply a matter of supporting those who have served, but a strategic business opportunity.
Ben Rossi, founder of the global Forces in Business Awards series, said: “Military service develops some of the most sought-after qualities in business, yet too often those strengths are overlooked or undervalued when veterans embark on civilian careers
“Over the past nine years, we've built a global platform that not only celebrates remarkable achievements, but makes the business case for military talent impossible to ignore. Recruiting veterans isn't simply a gesture of gratitude for their service – it's a smart investment in the future success of American enterprise.
“The standard of nominations for this year's U.S. Awards has been outstanding. Our finalists represent the very best of what the military community has to offer, excelling across a vast range of industries and professions. Their achievements demonstrate that military experience is not a barrier to commercial success, but a powerful foundation for it. We are proud to recognize them as leaders and trailblazers.”
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
About the Forces in Business Awards
The Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest business celebration of the military community. Taking place in the United States and United Kingdom, the Awards program is the leading platform for uncovering and showcasing the achievements and talents of veterans, presenting them as visible role models for transitioning service members and recognizing aspirational employers for current and former servicemen and women. The prestigious events promote the value that veterans add to the economy after service.
About the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (Charity Partner)
Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) is unwavering in its commitment to honoring the sacrifice of our Special Operations Personnel. It provides comprehensive “Cradle to Career” educational funding and advocacy for the children of fallen Special Operators, children of deceased SOF spouses, and children of all Medal of Honor Recipients. From preschool funding to academic counseling, private tutoring to financial assistance for private K-12 education, and tailored programs for children with special needs, SOWF leaves no stone unturned in nurturing their educational journey. It also offers immediate financial assistance to severely wounded, ill, and injured active-duty Special Operations Personnel, ensuring they receive critical support during their time of need.
About DARVIS
DARVIS provides a revolutionary AI-powered computer vision solution that automates inventory management for healthcare systems. The platform delivers real-time, 24/7 visibility into physical operations, enabling significant cost savings by eliminating stockouts, reducing waste, and freeing up clinical staff to focus on patient care. By seamlessly integrating with existing systems to create a unified source of truth, DARVIS drives operational efficiency, ensures regulatory compliance, and enhances patient safety across modern healthcare supply chains.