Title: Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Trainer
Company: Joint Task Force K9s (JTFK9S)
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
Keith D. Holland II, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Trainer at Joint Task Force K9s (JTFK9S), has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Nonprofit Leadership.
Mr. Holland, a leader in the nonprofit sector, currently serves as the founder, chief executive officer and trainer at Joint Task Force K9s, a registered nonprofit charitable organization he established in 2022. Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, JTFK9s provides highly trained service dogs to active-duty military personnel, combat veterans and law enforcement officers, including women who have experienced sexual assault or trauma while on duty, to prevent suicide and gain peace of mind in their everyday lives. Under Mr. Holland’s leadership, the organization has developed a unique training protocol for its service dogs, enabling them to detect changes in cortisol levels, a stress hormone, within their handlers. This innovative approach allows the dogs to intervene before post-traumatic stress disorder attacks occur by encouraging handlers to engage with them, which research shows can lower cortisol, release dopamine and provide significant emotional relief.
Since the organization’s inception, Mr. Holland has overseen the placement of over 20 service dogs through the program, all at no cost to recipients. He manages daily operations from his home, conducts comprehensive training for both dogs and handlers, and ensures ongoing support through annual check-ins and partnerships with other organizations. JTFK9s is recognized as a faith-based organization, reflecting Mr. Holland’s belief that these animals are divinely purposed to help individuals reclaim their lives and sense of mission. Notably, the organization is actively working toward expanding its impact by building a dedicated training facility.
Before founding JTFK9s, Mr. Holland built a distinguished career in the military. He was medically retired from the U.S. Army in 2015 after serving as a Special Forces Green Beret for 15 years. During his tenure, he held several critical roles, including airborne jump master and member of the Commander’s In-Extremis Force. Mr. Holland’s military journey began with several years as a military police officer in the U.S. National Guard. Throughout his service, he was affiliated with the U.S. Special Operations Command and participated in numerous high-stakes operations worldwide.
Mr. Holland’s educational background included an associate degree in golf operations and management from the Golf Academy of America, earned in 2018. His academic pursuits provided him with organizational skills and discipline that have proven invaluable in managing nonprofit operations and complex training regimens for both people and animals. Mr. Holland also completed advanced coursework, such as Advanced ANOC, an anti-armor leaders’ course and a combat lifesaver course, further enhancing his leadership abilities and technical expertise.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Mr. Holland is deeply involved in civic activities throughout the Myrtle Beach region. He serves as a board member for both the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also an active supporter of organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Moose Lodge under Moose International and the Elk Lodge under BPO Elks. As a mentor, Mr. Holland regularly engages with various churches and schools to inspire community involvement and personal growth.
Mr. Holland’s exemplary service has been recognized through numerous awards, including two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, two Iraq Campaign Medals, four Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal and a NATO Award. He also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition presented by Congressman Russell Fry of South Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, several Certificates of Appreciation from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and, among others, recognition from the Annual Veteran Expo hosted by Myrtle Beach Vet Center in 2024 and 2025.
Mr. Holland attributes much of his success to the foundational guidance provided by his father, whose emphasis on integrity and diligence shaped his approach to leadership. His extensive military experience instilled resilience and empathy, qualities that now inform his work supporting veterans and first responders through JTFK9s.
Eager for the future of his nonprofit, Mr. Holland aims to see JTFK9s become fully operational under new leadership so he can focus on acquiring more dogs for training and expanding the organization’s reach nationwide. He also encourages recipients of JTFK9’s service dogs to consider establishing their own chapters to further support communities across the country.
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