Name: Chris Basile
Work location: Houston
Length of time with the company: One year
When not at work: Enjoys spending time with family and taking part in outdoor activities.

CenterPoint Energy, like many companies, has found that men and women transitioning from military service make excellent candidates for employment. The company actively recruits those with who have served in the military, for a variety of positions, such as Chris Basile, an HR generalist, who joined the company just over a year ago.

How did being in the military prepare you for your current position?
My first leadership role was as a supervisor in the U.S. Air Force. That experience sparked my interest to develop and lead others in support of an organization. After separating from the Air Force, I held several HR positions but always had an interest in joining an energy company. CenterPoint Energy has provided me with an opportunity to further my career in an industry that continues to advance and change.
What are some of your responsibilities?
As an HR generalist, I provide support to various business units within Houston Electric Operations. My areas of responsibility include training and development, recruitment, compensation and benefits, and labor relations.
What’s been the biggest adjustment from the military to the corporate workplace?
The biggest adjustment I experienced in transitioning from military life was realizing that in civilian life, I have more responsibility to set professional goals for myself in the corporate workplace. In the military, I was provided with goals that needed to be met. I’ve found that the company values their employees and offers a variety of opportunities.