WASHINGTON — The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) announced today that retired US Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley will take over as president and CEO on Jan. 1.
McKinley, the former chief of the National Guard Bureau, will succeed Larry Farrell, who led NDIA since 2001.
One of the largest defense industrial associations, NDIA wields considerable influence both inside the Pentagon and on the Hill.
“The board conducted an extensive search for the most qualified individual to serve as our next President and CEO,” NDIA Chairman Arnold Punaro said in the announcement. “With Gen. McKinley, we will have the leadership in place to help introduce a new era at NDIA.”
McKinley surprised colleagues last week when he announced he was stepping down as the head of the Air Force Association. Speculation at the time was that he was headed for an industry job, rather than another association. The Air Force Association is setting up a search committee to find his replacement.
“NDIA’s mission is more important than ever as our nation faces hard decisions in the national security and defense arenas,” McKinley said in the announcement. “I look forward to building on the association’s solid foundation and working with the outstanding staff to ensure NDIA continues to provide the key links between industry and government, and to broaden our impact.”
