Executive Leadership and Veterans Advocacy
Travis Akers



About
Travis.
Travis Akers is a dynamic leader, national security expert, and veterans advocate with more than 20 years of executive experience driving operational excellence, strategic innovation, and impactful collaboration. A retired U.S. Navy officer, Travis has served in pivotal roles in the public and private sectors that highlight his ability to lead diverse teams, develop innovative solutions, and build partnerships that drive meaningful results.
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As a Director of Intelligence for the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces, Travis managed over 100 personnel, spearheading intelligence and operations initiatives that supported global missions across six geographic regions. In his appointment as Maritime Security Director and Deputy Chief of Analysis with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, he directed a 42-member team executing high-level projects for the White House, Pentagon, and CENTCOM, aligning with the National Defense Strategy and leveraging innovative intelligence and workforce management techniques. In this capacity, his finest military achievement was accomplished when he directly supported the evacuation of over 7,500 Afghan refugees as the Senior Navy Intelligence Officer for Operation Allies Refuge. Travis has also served in the roles of Deputy Director of the U.S. Navy Fourth Fleet Maritime Intelligence Operations Center and Interim-Communications Director, and Intelligence Division Officer for a Patrol and Reconnaissance squadron. Prior to receiving an Officer's Commission from President Obama, he was a Navy Combat Aircrewman and enlisted leader after joining the Navy in 2003.
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He is a recognized innovator, having developed training programs certified as Programs of Excellence by the Department of the Navy and implemented streamlined operations that saved significant resources while enhancing military readiness. His expertise has been sought at the highest levels, including the House Armed Services Committee and Defense Intelligence Agency, where he was requested by name to provide executive level intelligence briefs. His virtuosity in human capital development, program management, and operational intelligence planning earned him recognition from the Secretary of the Navy and a reputation as a trusted leader in high-pressure environments.
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An accomplished advocate, Travis has been recognized by the White House, Vice President, and First Lady for his efforts in veterans’ advocacy, including his contributions to advancing the PACT Act. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University, where he graduated with distinction, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Arizona, DEI in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida, a certificate in Congressional Communications from the Defense Intelligence Agency, and a certificate in Government Transitions from Harvard University.
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Beyond his professional accomplishments, Travis is deeply engaged in his community. He was appointed by Mayor Donna Deegan to her Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, is an advisor for the Urban League’s Veterans Community Center, served as a board member and graduate student mentor through the Villanova Alumni Association, coaches youth soccer, and volunteers with the Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida and The Laundry Project.


Jacksonville, Florida
Washington, D.C.​
Available for speaking engagements.​
Phone
904-524-7937