NDIA names Norquist as new CEO

The National Defense Industrial Association has named former Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist as its news president and chief executive officer.

Norquist, whose official start date is May 1, will succeed Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle, who announced he was stepping down March 4 amid disagreements with NDIA Board Chairman Arnold Punaro over the direction of the organization.

“David's exemplary experience and stellar reputation make him the ideal leader for NDIA, and the board and I could not be more pleased to have him join and lead the executive management team,” Punaro said in an NDIA statement. “We’ve selected a strong leader at a time of great challenge in the defense marketplace. With his proven experience and accomplishments in our industry, the legislative branch, and two of the largest, most complex federal government organizations, David is capable from day one to continue enhancing the industry-government relationship that is essential to supporting the warfighter and the taxpayer. He will also continue NDIA’s strong tradition of nonpartisan leadership.”

Norquist served in the former Trump administration as deputy defense secretary from 2019 to 2021, and also served a short stint as acting defense secretary. Prior to that, he served as Pentagon comptroller.

“It is an honor to be selected to serve as president and CEO of NDIA,” Norquist said in the NDIA statement. “As a nation, one of our core strategic advantages is the innovative character of our defense industrial base. Our long-term national security depends on government effectively capitalizing on that strength and I look forward to assisting in that effort.”