AFCEA International Honors Lawrence’s Legacy, Welcomes Next Leader

Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.), president and CEO of AFCEA International, is retiring after four-plus years of service to the association, and Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford, USA (Ret.), will step into the role this summer.

Lawrence served in the U.S. Army for more than 40 years, beginning when she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in 1972 before earning her commission as a second lieutenant in 1979. She served as commanding general of the Army’s Network Enterprise Technology Command, where she oversaw enterprise information technology (IT) and network operations.

During assignments across Europe, South Korea, Southwest Asia and the United States, Lawrence help ensure reliable, secure communications for warfighters operating in complex and contested environments.

In March 2011, Lawrence became the Army’s first female chief information officer and managed the Army’s enterprise IT infrastructure, command-and-control systems and advanced technology platforms supporting both the operational force and the civilian workforce. She laid the groundwork for the Army’s transition toward cyber as a warfighting domain, helping to stand up the U.S. Army Cyber Command.

After retiring from active duty, Lawrence held senior leadership roles at Booz Allen Hamilton and Accenture Federal Services, advising government clients on technology transformation and mission support.

Since becoming AFCEA’s president and CEO in January 2022, she has strengthened the association’s role as a trusted convener across military, government, industry and academia, reinforcing its relevance in a rapidly evolving global security environment. She led with integrity, mission focus and a deep respect for those who serve.

Through her dedication to sustained service and technical excellence, Lawrence has opened doors for future generations of leaders—particularly women—in defense and national security. 

“What has defined my tenure more than any single achievement is collaboration,” Lawrence said. “Collaboration truly is in AFCEA’s DNA. Across government, industry and academia, this community has consistently come together—across domains, disciplines and generations—to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge and advance missions that matter. We consistently emphasized ethical engagement, transparency and professionalism—ensuring AFCEA is respected for dialogue, learning and collaboration.”

Lawrence will continue to serve on AFCEA’s Board of Directors as a permanent director. 

Crawford will serve as AFCEA’s 12th president and CEO. He previously served as the vice chair of AFCEA International’s Board of Directors and chair of the AFCEA Budget and Finance Committee and the AFCEA Governance and Nominating Committees. 

“I can’t tell you what a humbling experience this is to be appointed,” Crawford said. “The trust and confidence put in me is never taken for granted. AFCEA and its global network of members is amazing and ultimately, what I’d like to do, is make you proud of me and proud of your affiliation with AFCEA.”

For 34 years, Crawford served in various operational, strategic and tactical positions in the Army across the United States, Europe, the Pacific and Southwest Asia. He retired as the Army’s chief information officer and principal enterprise IT and cybersecurity policy adviser to the secretary of the Army and the Army chief of staff.

After retiring from the service, Crawford held leadership roles at the Digital Advisory Group, Global Digital Center of Excellence and Jacobs Solutions Inc.

“Bruce Crawford is a proven, visionary leader whose career exemplifies service, innovation and an unwavering commitment to mission,” said AFCEA Board Chair Tamara Greenspan. “The Board is confident that he brings the strategic insight, collaborative spirit and deep understanding of our community needed to lead AFCEA into its next chapter. His experience across government, industry and AFCEA’s own governance body uniquely positions him to advance our mission, strengthen our global network and deliver meaningful value to our members and partners. We are proud to appoint Bruce as AFCEA’s next president and CEO.”