Vice Admiral Zortman Named 2025 Recipient of Soldier-Citizen Award

The Center for Military and Veterans Affairs has named the recipient of the 11th annual Soldier-Citizen Award, Vice Admiral James Zortman, USN (Ret.). Vice Admiral Zortman will be honored with the award at the Military Summit on September 18, 2025.

Military Background

Throughout his 34 years of service in the Navy, Vice Admiral Zortman commanded at every level with distinction. He oversaw the Naval Air Forces of the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets as well as the U.S. Carrier Task Forces during Operation Enduring Freedom, displaying incredible and impactful leadership. In his final assignment, he served as commander of all Naval Air Forces — encompassing more than 180,000 service members and a fleet of 3,800 aircraft and 12 aircraft carriers — with a focus on operations, readiness, and the lifecycle management of naval aviation assets.

For his exceptional service, Vice Admiral Zortman was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (four times), the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, and the Distinguished Service Medal, the Armed Forces third-highest medal.

Civilian Leadership

Since retiring from the Navy, Vice Admiral Zortman has continued to lead in the private sector, having served as senior vice president at Northrop Grumman Aerospace, a member of the strategic advisory board of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc., Chairman of the Board for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp., and Chairman of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. Currently, he holds positions as Chairman of the Board for USAA and executive coach and senior advisor at Boston Consulting Group, where he leverages his innate leadership skills to empower the financial security of the military community.

Vice Admiral Zortman embodies what it means to be a soldier-citizen, having exhibited strong leadership and expertise throughout his time in both the Navy and civic life. In recognition of his achievements and capabilities, he has received the NACD Directorship 100 recognition for excellence in innovation, courage, and integrity as well as the Herb Klein Award for outstanding civic leadership in addressing challenges throughout San Diego.

Vice Admiral Zortman will be honored as the Soldier-Citizen Award recipient at the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs and Center Founding Partner and Sponsor Penn Mutual’s annual Military Summit on September 18 at the Bellevue Hotel and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

More From The College

• Register for the 2025 Military Summit
• Learn more about the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs