Bancroft Capital Announces 2026 VTP Class
Posted: February 1, 2026
Four candidates (L-R: Cantu, England, Mountford, Brown) join the firm as the unique, internal training program begins its eighth year
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. – Bancroft Capital announced today the four veterans who will comprise the candidates for the class of the firm’s 2026 Veteran Training Program. Joseph Cantu, Tian England, and Killian Mountford will all begin their participation in early 2026, joining Alex Brown, who began his training with Bancroft in August, in the 2026 cohort.
“We are excited to have these four talented individuals join our program,” said CEO Cauldon Quinn. “Each of them brings a unique and diverse skill set honed through their military careers, and we are confident that they will make a successful transition to a civilian career in finance.”
Joseph Cantu served for seven years in the United States Marine Corps, primarily as an Air Traffic Control officer with Marine Air Control Squadron 2. After achieving the rank of Captain, Cantu suffered multiple injuries, including the amputation of his dominant arm. After formally separating from the USMC, he will join Bancroft’s training program later this spring.
“Joe Cantu has met each significant challenge with grit and perseverance,” said Quinn. “Bancroft is eager to partner with Joe as he works toward achieving the same success in his civilian career as he has been able to obtain in his career as a Marine Officer.”
Staff Sergeant Tian England served nine years on active duty, primarily as a Motor Transport Maintenance Chief. During her time in the Marine Corps, Tian deployed to Afghanistan as a Female Engagement Team Leader, where she led Marines in complex and high-risk operational environments. Now separated from the USMC, England remains closely connected to the values and relationships she built during her time in uniform. She has completed her MBA from American Military University as part of her transition from military service, and now joins Bancroft’s VTP with the chance to begin her civilian career in finance.
“I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to take this next step,” said England. “My experiences leading Marines, managing complex operations, and continuing my education have shaped how I approach challenges and growth.”
During her three and a half years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, primarily as a Surface Warfare officer, Killian Mountford held multiple key leadership roles: Training Officer, Strike Officer, and Combat Information Center Officer aboard the USS Lake Erie. In 2024, she deployed with her ship to the Western Pacific operational area. The responsibility of leading sailors and executing missions in dynamic conditions left a lasting impression, shaping her approach to leadership and decision-making – skills she believes will help her make a successful transition to finance as part of Bancroft’s VTP.
“After leaving the structured career path the Navy provided, I am extremely grateful to Bancroft Capital for helping me navigate my transition into the finance industry and giving me the opportunity to build a strong foundation for my career,” said Mountford.
An avid skier, Mountford will join Bancroft at the conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she is currently working on the information technology team for NBC Sports.
Brown, who moved to Fort Washington to begin his rotation through the program last summer, has already achieved multiple FINRA licenses. A graduate of Boston College’s MBA program, Brown passed the SIE before joining Bancroft and has subsequently passed the Series 7, Series 66, and Series 79 exams in the last six months.
“Alex has already demonstrated exceptional ability to understand the industry,” said Quinn. “We believe he will continue to thrive as he targets his specific career path post-licensing.”
Prior to graduate school, Brown served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, spending four years on active duty, primarily as an infantry officer in the 10th Mountain Division.
Created not as a separate entity, but rather embedded into the firm’s mission, Bancroft’s unique Veteran Training Program puts disabled veterans and first responders in a position to develop a skill set capable of supporting a new career in financial services. Candidate training includes a rotation among the five business units Bancroft operates, along with an introduction to back office and operations functions, sales trading, and compliance.
The addition of the four new candidates brings the total number of veterans to 28 who have progressed through the program since its inception. Graduates of the program now work at large institutions such as Bank of America, T. Rowe Price, and Wells Fargo, among others. Four graduates – Jeffrey Barrett, Ryan D’Alessandro, Pat Doherty, and Dan Huelsman – are still working at Bancroft after receiving permanent, full-time offers upon graduation.
“Our goal is to help each veteran achieve success for themselves, regardless of whether that is here at Bancroft or elsewhere,” said Quinn. “The training program is not a feeder program – some of these candidates will advance to prominent roles at other institutions, which allows us to hire another veteran to fill the spot in the program.”