Traits You Can Trust: How Military Service Can Lead to a Career in FinServe

In this special Veterans Day episode of our Shares podcast, Managing Director of The American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs, Phil Easton, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), speaks with the 2025 Soldier-Citizen Award Recipient, Vice Admiral James Zortman, USN (Ret.), on how military experience can prepare individuals for a successful career in financial services. They cover a number of key topics including the traits commonly found in members of the military community that can lead to successful careers in financial services, the experiences of military families, and the importance of strong role models when pursuing a new career.

Phil Easton, CMSgt, USAF (Ret.), is the Managing Director of The American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs. Prior to joining The College, Easton served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the United States European Command, where he advised the commander on enlisted issues and provided leadership to the 82,000 joint service members distributed over 400 bases and facilities in an area of responsibility covering 51 countries. He promoted enlisted professional development through training and education to build partner nations’ capacity and improve interoperability.

Vice Admiral James Zortman, USN (Ret.), commanded at every level with distinction over his 34 years of military service. 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. 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.

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.

Any views or opinions expressed in this podcast are the hosts’ and guests' own and do not necessarily represent those of The American College of Financial Services.

More on The American College of Financial Services Center for Military and Veterans Affairs

• Learn more about the Center for Military and Veterans Affairs
• Find out about The College’s career development services
• Meet Vice Admiral Zortman, USN (Ret.)