Craig McKinley, president and CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association, plans to retire by Dec. 31 after a two-year term as the trade group’s leader.
NDIA said Monday he has led the association’s efforts to develop a new strategic direction and establish relationships with government, corporate and academic stakeholders to help address the U.S.’ national security and defense challenges.
The 38-year Air Force veteran assumed leadership of NDIA in January 2015 after he served as president of the Air Force Association beginning in October 2012.
He previously worked as chief of the National Guard Bureau, where he acted as a military adviser to the U.S. president, defense secretary and the National Security Council as well as the Defense Department‘s official channel of communication to governors and state adjutants general regarding National Guard issues.
McKinley retired from military service in November 2012 with the rank of four-star general.
NDIA noted he intends to continue to offer advice on defense and government matters following his retirement from the association as well as serve as a board member at various corporations and nonprofit organizations.
The trade group partnered with recruitment firm Korn Ferry to facilitate the search for McKinley’s successor.
