A. B., 52, is the chief legal officer and corporate secretary for Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. Prior to assuming this position, Cruz was executive vice president and general counsel for The E. W. Scripps Company (Scripps). Cruz joined Scripps in March 2004.
As the company's chief legal officer, Cruz is responsible for managing the company's legal function across all of its entertainment and interactive enterprises. He also oversees the company's internal audit and corporate secretary functions.
Cruz came to Scripps from BET Holdings Inc. where he was vice president, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary. He played a leading role in BET's $3 billion merger with Viacom in 2001. Before joining BET, Cruz practiced law at several law firms in Washington, D.C., including the law firm of Wiley, Rein & Fielding where his practice focused primarily on telecommunications matters, including mergers and acquisitions involving media and communications companies, and the regulation of wireless cable, commercial and private land mobile radio, paging and satellite services.
Before entering the legal profession, Cruz was a senior staff engineer with ARINC Research in Annapolis, Md., where he supported the development of various weapon systems for the U.S. Navy. He was also responsible for his department's marketing efforts. Prior to joining ARINC Research, Cruz served on military active duty for seven years as a naval officer.
Cruz is a Rear Admiral in the U. S. Navy Reserve and is currently serving as Deputy Commander, U. S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Deputy Commander, U. S. 4th Fleet.
Cruz is on the board of directors of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association. He is also a director and audit committee member for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He also serves on the United States Tennis Association's Audit Committee.
Cruz received his juris doctorate from Catholic University's Columbus School of Law in Washington, DC. Cruz also holds a master's of business administration degree from the University of Maryland and a bachelor's of science degree from the United States Naval Academy. He is a member of the District of Columbia, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio (corporate status) and U.S. Supreme Court bars.
