WACO, Texas — The Dwyer Group, a franchisor of seven service-based franchise brands including Aire Serv®, has announced the appointment of Mary Kennedy Thompson to the position of director of veteran affairs.

Thompson, who serves as the president of Mr. Rooter, was appointed to this additional role in a newly-created position that aims to attract more military veterans to franchise opportunities and job opportunities across the service brands within The Dwyer Group. The parent company has been a leader in promoting careers for military veterans and, as the founding company of VetFran, has fostered a program that continues to promote the benefits of franchising for a growing pool of candidates exiting the Armed Forces. Today, VetFran includes more than 580 franchisor companies that offer financial discounts to military veterans seeking franchise ownership and accounts for more than 4,300 military veteran franchise owners.

“Mary has a level of expertise in this field that surpasses all expectations,” said Mike Bidwell, president and chief operating officer of The Dwyer Group. “She has led the VetFran effort both within our franchise family and at the highest national level with the International Franchise Association. This additional title as director of veteran affairs for The Dwyer Group is well-deserved as she takes our goals to the next level in educating our military veterans about the world of franchising and our service brands. She speaks from experience about the path to business ownership for deserving men and women who have honorably served our country.”