Who Is Vincent Viola? Donald Trump Army Secretary Nominee Is NHL Owner, Veteran, Businessman

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Vincent Viola as Secretary of the Army, his transition team announced Monday. Viola is a West Point graduate, the founder of electronic trading firm Virtu Financial, former chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange, owner of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and founder of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point.

“I am proud to have such an incredibly accomplished and selfless individual as Vincent Viola as our Secretary of the Army,” said Trump. “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.”

As Secretary of the Army, Viola would be responsible for overseeing all facets of the army including organizing, recruiting, supplying, mobilizing and demobilizing.

Viola served in the 101^st Airborne Division after graduating from West Point in 1977. He went on to graduate from New York Law School before founding and helping to fund the creation of West Point’s anti-terrorism center. In 2001, Viola was appointed the chairman of the New York Mercantile Exchange.

In 2013, Viola spent $250 million to acquire the Florida Panthers and the operating rights to the team’s stadium, the BB&T Center. He is currently the Panthers’ principal owner, chairman and governor. Viola is also a contributor to the Catholic Leadership Institute and has endowed the Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J. Chair in Catholic Theology at Fordham University, according to the transition team's statement.

“It is an honor to be nominated to serve our country as President-elect Trump’s Secretary of the Army,” said Viola. “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.”

In a statement released by his transition team, Trump called Viola “living proof of the American dream,” citing his upbringing in an Italian immigrant family in Brooklyn.

"This great honor comes with great responsibility," said Viola. "And I will fight for the American people and their right to live free every day."