Rear Admiral A.B. Cruz III Joins Academy Securities’ Advisory Board

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Academy Securities, a registered broker-dealer, certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), today announced the addition of Rear Admiral A.B. Cruz III to its Advisory Board.

Rear Admiral (Ret.) A.B. Cruz III is a seasoned C-Suite Executive, Senior Adviser, and Former Navy Admiral. Throughout his career, Rear Admiral Cruz has served as Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Corporate Secretary in biotech pharma, telecommunications, media/entertainment, financial services, oil & gas, and education. During his 33-year military career, he shaped and led numerous high-performing operational teams in demanding, high-stress, ambiguous environments, and represented the United States internationally in multiple senior-level engagements with foreign militaries.

“We are honored to add such a highly-esteemed individual to our firm’s Advisory Board,” stated Academy’s Chairman and CEO Chance Mims, “Rear Admiral Cruz will add tremendous value both as a legal advisor and military leader.”

Rear Admiral Cruz commented on joining Academy Securities: “I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Academy Securities Team. I look forward to adding to the Firm’s impressive ability of weighing in with its vast geopolitical, foreign affairs, and national security know-how to better serve its clients, while also holding true on its commitment to serve and assist military veterans.”

Rear Admiral Cruz holds a JD from The Catholic University of America, an MA in Marketing from The University of Maryland, and a BS in General Engineering & Physical Sciences from the U.S. Naval Academy. He currently serves on the boards of the Naval War College Foundation, Yellow Ribbon Fund, American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative, World Affairs Council of San Antonio, Down Syndrome Association of South Texas, and Saint Mary’s Hall. He also serves as a board trustee and governance committee member for the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation.

“Rear Admiral Cruz has distinguished himself across multiple industries. His extensive corporate and military experience will help advance Academy’s business goals and social mission,” stated Academy’s President Phil McConkey.

About Academy Securities

Academy Securities is a preeminent disabled veteran owned investment bank with strength in capital markets, public finance, fixed income, and equity trading. Leadership and staff have had intensive military training prior to entering and gaining in-depth financial services experience in global capital markets. We are mission driven with a high ethical code, a solid sense of accountability and strive for excellence in the pursuit of our clients’ success. Academy is our nation’s first post-9/11 disabled veteran owned investment bank and is certified as a DVBE, SDVOSB, and MBE. The firm has a strong top and middle tier client base served by a national platform with offices in New York, Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles, Chapel Hill, Kansas City, Austin, Dallas, and Sacramento. Information about Academy Securities is available at www.academysecurities.com.