Sam Dougherty

Sam served in the Marine Corps Reserve for 6 years, so he is passionate and eager to assist the Military Service Community and continue the H2H mission. He is an active volunteer with the Veteran community in various projects and specifically focused on Veterans who are underserved, people of color, and women. In fact, in 2022 Sam received the “Distinguished Citizen” metal from the Marine Corps for his volunteer work after serving.

In 2016, Sam became a Director of Operations for the Workforce Development Institute, where he found his passion to being a leader and changing the lives of others. Prior to being the Director of Operations, Sam has served in the management position for two organizations since 2011. Over the course of his professional career, he became exposed to multiple facets of industry such as automotive, Aerospace, Life Safety and in the Service Industry. Sam has developed and supported relationships with organized crafts representatives, business managers, and signatory contractors connecting job seekers with apprenticeships. He has led successful cohorts of Access for All Pre-Apprenticeship training programs in partnership with the organized trades.

Sam has a passion to guide, encourage and help people begin a successful career, exactly what the Helmets to Hardhats team needed in a leader for the state of Michigan. Beyond his professional career, he is very active. He is the president of a nonprofit organization as a speaker and entertainer focused on encouraging and empowering people.

While Sam is not working, Sam stays busy! He is a huge family man with two kids and a beautiful wife. His grandbaby is his world! He is a songwriter and a musician who concentrates on keeping a positive and encouraging message. Sam has been a chainsaw sculpting/carving business owner (Starving Carvist) since 2008. He donates his carving time to multiple organizations including Disabled Vets, Shelters, National Wildlife Turkey Federation, Schools and many others.

Sam Dougherty