A Steady Path Forward for the Association.

• Author: Punaro, Arnold
• Position: Perspective

Today, we face a more dangerous and unstable world than at the peak of the Cold War. China is on the march, Iran is on the verge, North Korea is on the edge, terriorism is on the rise, and Russia continues its indiscriminate, inhumane attacks on Ukraine.

During these challenging times, the National Defense Industrial Association remains an essential linchpin to ensuring a productive, positive relationship between the federal government and the U.S. defense industrial base. This relationship is key to supporting warfighters and enhancing national security.

We have the world's finest military for three reasons: we recruit and retain the highest quality personnel and their families; we provide them with constant and realistic training; and we ensure they have the cutting edge technology from industry so they never face a fair fight. To the last point, industry's role to the success of the military is irreplaceable, and so we need to ensure the strongest leadership for the future.

I am confident that the executive committee of the board found the best candidate to lead NDIA with the choice of former deputy secretary of defense, David Norquist, to be the new president and CEO.

During this time of significant complexity in the defense marketplace, it's important to have someone of Norquist's caliber and experience leading the association. From day one, he will continue enhancing the industry-government relationship that is essential to supporting the warfighter and the taxpayer. Throughout his distinguished career, Norquist has served in an impressive variety of positions in industry, the legislative branch, and two of the largest and most complex government organizations.

Norquist's commitment to NDIA's high standards of performance, ethical behavior and strong, nonpartisan leadership--plus his strategic vision to help our members address current and future challenges in the defense marketplace--make him the ideal candidate to lead the association at this time. I have no doubt that he will excel in this new role and be an exceptional leader for our association.

NDIA's new leadership is not the only reason I have confidence in the future of our organization. The main reason for this is our members, who continue to provide us with immensely meaningful input. Our chapters and divisions are the secret weapon to our association's success, and we will continue to encourage them to be more active. We have directed the new CEO to come up with...