Florida Panthers owner nominated as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of the Army

The Florida Panthers’ front office is back in the news in the biggest way yet.

On Monday, United States President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to name Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola as his Secretary of the Army.

The Panthers announced the team will remain in ownership of the Viola family, but team co-owner Doug Cifu will take over Vincent Viola’s roles as chairman and governor of the franchise.

“We are honored and humbled to see Mr. Viola nominated as the Secretary of the Army. We could not be more proud for Vinnie and his dedication to our country,” said Panthers President and CEO Matthew Caldwell.

Viola followed his father’s footsteps and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1977 and retained the rank of second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Viola served with the 101st Airborne Division and remained in the U.S. Army Reserves after active duty.

In a statement, President-elect Trump praised Viola’s service and business acumen.

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

Viola also offered his thanks in the same 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. 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 purchased the Panthers in 2013, and the team is coming off the best season in franchise history in 2015-16.

Here’s the full Panthers statement:

Vincent Viola Nominated as Secretary of the Army

Viola, Cifu families remain committed to the Panthers and South Florida Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday, December 19, 2016

SUNRISE, Fla. - Announced today, Vincent Viola has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the Secretary of the Army, subject to Senate confirmation.

Ownership of the Florida Panthers will remain in the Viola family, which remains committed to the South Florida region. Subject to Senate confirmation and NHL approval, Mr. Viola has identified Mr. Douglas A. Cifu, currently serving as Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor of the club, to step into his existing role as Chairman and Governor of Sunrise Sports and Entertainment.

“We are honored and humbled to see Mr. Viola nominated as the Secretary of the Army. We could not be more proud for Vinnie and his dedication to our country,” said Panthers President and CEO Matthew Caldwell.

“Our hockey team has always been proud to be part of Mr. Viola’s legacy. We admire his dedication to his country and are excited to watch him pursue this new endeavor,” said President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon.

Mr. Viola purchased the NHL’s Florida Panthers on Sept. 27, 2013. Under his stewardship, the organization attained franchise records for wins (47) and points (103) during the 2015-16 season, earning a playoff berth for just the fifth time in the team’s 23-year history.

-PANTHERS-