EP 9: Christy Rutherford Shares Transition Tips, Her Entrepreneurial Endeavors

Christy Rutherford is the President of Advocates For Veterans, a veteran owned company that gives veterans direct access to trustworthy veteran organizations, services, events and seminars in less than a minute. An author, she recently published “Rules of Engagement for the Civilian Job Market” to assist veterans in understanding how to successfully navigate their transition into the civilian sector.

Christy Rutherford served over 16 years as an active duty Coast Guard officer and is one of only 16 African American women to ever achieve the rank of O-5 in the Coast Guard’s 244 year history. Her tours expanded from: drug interdictions on the high seas; emergency response/dispatch to hundreds of major/minor maritime accidents; enforcing federal laws on 100’s of oil/hazardous material companies; responding to the needs of the citizens in New Orleans two days after Hurricane Katrina; a Congressional Fellowship with the House of Representatives and lastly a position that combined them all.

Christy earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from South Carolina State University, a Master of Business Administration from Averett University, a Diploma Sous Chef de Patisserie from Alain and Marie Lenotre Culinary Institute, and a Certification in Executive Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University.

Among her many professional accomplishments, her national recognition includes the Coast Guard Dorothy Stratton Leadership Award, Cambridge Who’s Who Amongst Executives and Professionals, Career Communications STEM Technology All-Star and the Edward R. Williams Award for Excellence In Diversity.

Christy’s military personal awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, two Commendation Medals, three Achievement Medals, and three Letters of Commendation.