Punaro Takes Helm of Association's Board.

• Position: NDIA News

Arnold Punaro, the CEO of The Punaro Group LLC of Washington, is the newly seated chair of the National Defense Industrial Association. His position became effective Oct. 1 and he will lead NDIA's board for two years.

Punaro--who helmed NDIA's board from 2013-2015-takes the seat from Richard McConn, CEO of M International Inc., whose two-year term as board president has concluded. McConn will continue on the board in emeritus status and as chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee.

Michael Bayer, president and CEO of Dumbarton Strategies of Washington, takes over from Punaro as the vice chair of the NDIA board.

"A productive, objective, nonpartisan dialogue with the executive and legislative branches has never been more essential to our industry," Punaro said. "I will ensure NDIA continues this successful approach."

Hawk Carlisle, the association's president and CEO, welcomed the leaders in their new roles. "Arnold Punaro brings unmatched knowledge and experience to NDIA's mission," Carlisle said. Meanwhile, Bayer "has deep experience with this organization and our goals. Their leadership will ensure NDIA's continued success, particularly during this challenging time with the pandemic."

A retired Marine Corps major general, Punaro served as staff director of the Senate Armed Services Committee for...