BOSTON, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ADS Ventures (ADS), a government relations, business development and strategic communications firm based in Boston and Washington, D.C., today announced that Vice Admiral (retired) Barry Costello former Commander THIRD Fleet and past Chief of Legislative Affairs, has joined the firm as Senior Policy Advisor.  Admiral Costello will provide strategic advice and counsel to ADS Ventures clients on policy matters, with a focus on Department of Defense and Congress.

Vice Admiral Costello completed 34 years of military service in June 2007. This service included command of all West Coast Navy Forces as Commander THIRD Fleet, responsibility for all aspects of coordination with the Congress and Navy leadership as Chief of Legislative Affairs, leadership of all Surface Naval forces in the Persian Gulf in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and strategic advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs as Deputy Director for Strategy and Policy.  

He attended the College of Naval Command and Staff where he was selected as honor graduate, graduating "With Distinction," and earned a master's of arts degree in Foreign Affairs.  Additionally, he has participated in the National Security program at John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and attended Albany Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree and is currently a member of the New York State Bar.

"We are truly honored that Admiral Costello has chosen to join ADS Ventures and apply his unique insight and experience into the needs of our clients," said Chet Atkins, founding partner of ADS Ventures. "His unique knowledge of strategic planning, global initiatives and vast experience advising government at the highest levels will provide unparalleled guidance to the ADS Ventures Team."

"I have spent the last 40 years working to better defend and protect our nation, and honor our most precious treasure – our men and women in uniform," said Vice Admiral Costello.  "In my work with ADS Ventures, I hope to draw upon these experiences to help ensure that we continue to design, improve, procure and field the top-notch equipment and gear needed to ensure the safety and mission readiness of those who serve our country."  

"Over the last 10 years ADS Ventures has grown in capacity and scope in efforts to better serve our clients and those who our clients protect – our troops.  Excellence in this unique space necessitates guidance and insight from those who truly understand the specific needs of our armed forces and the ever-evolving challenges that they continue to encounter," said ADS Ventures Managing Director, David Costello.  "We are very excited to have Admiral Costello as a trusted advisor to our firm and believe that his expertise in this area will vastly benefit the hard work of our clients."

Vice Admiral Costello's personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for service with the Secretary of Defense and Joint Staff while crafting the Unified Command Plan and the Nuclear Posture Review. Additionally, his leadership of CTF-55 during Operation Iraqi Freedom was acknowledged by the United Kingdom with the Honorary Award of Commander of the most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).

About ADS Ventures:

ADS Ventures (www.adsventures.net) is a government relations and business development firm with offices in Boston, Massachusetts and Washington DC.  The firm provides an integrated suite of government relations, strategic communications and business development services to public and private companies, non-profits and coalitions.   ADS Ventures works with clients to identify strategic opportunities, solve organizational problems and effectuate positive outcomes. ADS Ventures' core areas of competency include appropriations and budgeting, coalition building and grassroots advocacy, defense and national security, domestic manufacturing, education, scientific research, energy and transportation.

SOURCE ADS Ventures