President-elect Trump nominated Vincent “Vinnie” Viola as secretary of the Army Monday, according to a release.
Viola is founder and executive chairman of Virtu Financial, a former Army infantry officer and also owns the NHL’s Florida Panthers.
“I am proud to have such an incredibly accomplished and selfless individual as Vincent Viola as our Secretary of the Army,” Trump said in a statement. “Whether it is his distinguished military service or highly impressive track record in the world of business, Vinnie has proved throughout his life that he knows how to be a leader and deliver major results in the face of any challenge. He is a man of outstanding work ethic, integrity, and strategic vision, with an exceptional ability to motivate others. The American people, whether civilian or military, should have great confidence that Vinnie Viola has what it takes to keep America safe and oversee issues of concern to our troops in the Army.”
In the statement, Viola said he was honored to be nominated.
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“If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to provide our president with the land force he will need to accomplish any mission in support of his National Defense Strategy. A primary focus of my leadership will be ensuring that America’s soldiers have the ways and means to fight and win across the full spectrum of conflict. This great honor comes with great responsibility, and I will fight for the American people and their right to live free every day.”
Viola graduated from West Point in 1977 and served in the 101st Airborne Division. After 9/11, he founded the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, has founded several companies and chaired the New York Mercantile Stock Exchange. He earned his law degree from New York Law School in 1983.