Rome Ruiz

Rome Ruiz has a diverse work experience spanning several roles and companies. Their most recent position is Vice President at SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS) since November 2021. Before this, they served in the US Navy for nearly three decades, starting as a Surface Warfare Officer in December 1992 and retiring in September 2021. During their Navy career, Ruiz held various leadership positions, including CEO/Commander of Amphibious Squadron THREE, CEO/Commanding Officer of USS CAPE ST. GEORGE (CG 71), CEO/Commanding Officer of USS HIGGINS (DDG 76), CEO/Commanding Officer of USS SHRIKE (MHC 62), and CEO/Commanding Officer of USS CARDINAL (MHC 62). Rome also worked at US Navy Headquarters, where they served as Deputy Director, Plans, Policy and Integration (N5) and Senior Staff Director, Strategic Posture (OPNAV N512). Additionally, they held the role of Chief Technical Advisor for TNT MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT AND PRODUCTIONS LIMITED, where they collaborated with various departments to ensure accurate portrayals of naval culture and warfare in the TV show "The Last Ship". Prior to that, Ruiz worked at U.S. European Command as Senior Staff Director, Levant Plans and Israel Desk. Overall, Ruiz has extensive experience in leadership, policy development, strategic planning, and operational execution in the Navy and private sector.

Rome Ruiz completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology at Old Dominion University from 1988 to 1992. In 2012 to 2013, they pursued a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in International Relations and National Security Studies at the U.S. Naval War College. Later on, in 2019 to 2020, Rome Ruiz attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where they participated in the Seminar XXI program focused on International Relations and National Security Studies.