From Legacy to Leadership: AFCEA Is Still Moving Forward

In 1946, a group of respected military and corporate leaders met at Fraunces Tavern in New York City to explore ways to support global defense security and continue to expand the important links between military, government and industry, with World War II fresh on their minds. The result: the birth of AFCEA.

AFCEA International would go on to empower those in military and industry to advance technology and ensure security by opening and increasing channels for collaboration.

In 2026, AFCEA’s 80th celebration looks ahead to continuing a legacy of trust and innovation in meeting the needs of the global security community and providing opportunities for those who serve.

AFCEA has a new president and CEO in Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford, USA (Ret.). In taking over as the 12th president and CEO a couple of weeks before the official 80th anniversary, he said: “I am deeply honored and beyond proud to serve at such a trusted organization and strategically important institution. It takes a lot to be around for 80 years, and it says a lot that AFCEA has not only endured but thrived. Our legacy continues to grow because each generation steps forward to lead, innovate and serve, and because AFCEA invests in the groundbreakers, problem-solvers and changemakers who will shape the future. Together, we will continue to empower innovation, connect leaders and advance global security for the next 80 years and beyond.”  

AFCEA believes in connections. And leadership, mentorship, partnership and friendship.

Five years ago, AFCEA celebrated its 75th anniversary, invigorated by a return to in-person events after weathering the storm known as the pandemic. At the time, AFCEA endeavored to grow, to modernize and to expand our relevance. 

Over the past five years, AFCEA has expanded its global reach and engagement; elevated the quality, depth and impact of programming; and strengthened its role as a trusted catalyst between government, industry and academia. AFCEA International has become more relevant than ever to meeting the needs of its government partners and industry members.  

For the last 80 years, what has set AFCEA apart? Members, as well as government and industry would likely say: Responsiveness. Relevance. And Results. 

AFCEA moves quickly because the mission demands it. AFCEA also brings the right voices to the table because solutions don’t happen in silos. And through it all, AFCEA has stayed relevant because it keeps up with what’s happening in global security. 

Eighty years in, what’s ahead for AFCEA International? The plan is simple but ambitious: To deepen AFCEA’s role as the forum where real solutions to national and global security challenges are shaped. 

That means leaning into new and critical areas of focus and expanded partnerships.

AFCEA is expanding its work on critical infrastructure—recognizing the growing interconnectedness between cyber, energy, transportation and national security.

The association is also significantly increasing classified and high-side sessions. AFCEA is a trusted and valued conduit for government organizations to present their classified intelligence needs as one of a very small number of associations that provide classified event opportunities with government partners. 

Last month, AFCEA co-hosted the 13th iteration of the Intelligence & National Security Summit, a partnered conference with the Intelligence and National Security Alliance. It is now the largest annual intelligence-focused event in the nation. Other recent partnerships for AFCEA Intel include the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, combat support agencies within the intelligence community and Department of War (DOW)-level organizations and offices.   

AFCEA is also innovating how to bring the global security community together. 

The federal government continues to ask AFCEA for help with industry engagement. This puts the association in a very strong position versus competitors.   

AFCEA is working in support of the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) on a TechNet Emergence series focused on future networks, decision dominance, and data fabric and AI solutions.

The AFCEA intelligence team is also working with OUSW(R&E) on a potential classified event focused on cyber capabilities.

To help drive commercial industry to take a leading role in solving DOW capabilities needs, AFCEA is working with Ericsson Federal and a consortium of industry companies to address counter-UAV operations.

At the heart of it all, AFCEA’s members and the chapters keep the association relevant and innovative.

Chapters are the heart and soul of AFCEA. Through its network of 140 chapters, AFCEA has its foundation at the local level, made possible by volunteers. Members can choose chapters by location, business activities and interests.

At its very core, AFCEA is a membership association. Members can get involved by joining committees, volunteering at the chapter level and engaging in a host of other activities.

In 2026, AFCEA launched its Year of Military and Government campaign, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening ties with the military and government communities and focused on increasing military and government membership across its global chapter network.

AFCEA offers unmatched access to expertise, leadership opportunities, continuing education and certification, and a trusted platform for solving real-world challenges. 

AFCEA has also remained focused on training the future workforce and advancing STEM education. The Educational Foundation and chapters worldwide award more than $2 million each year in student and teacher scholarships and STEM teaching tools to ensure tomorrow’s workforce has the necessary skills to be competitive in the fast-paced, ever-changing global security arena.

During this anniversary celebration, AFCEA continues to honor the legacy of the men who met in New York more than 80 years ago, including Army Chief Signal Officer Maj. Gen. Harry C. Ingles, USA, who addressed the attendees; Brig. Gen David Sarnoff, USAR, who became AFCEA’s first president and ended his career as chairman of the board of RCA; Darryl F. Zanuck, a renowned 20th Century Fox movie producer who covered action in North Africa; and Fred Friendly, who became president of CBS News.

At the heart of this legacy is a trusted reputation to provide a forum for an ethical exchange of ideas, continuing education opportunities and top-notch networking.

AFCEA’s history is one of service. Eighty years in, its future is one of leadership and partnership. 
In the short term, AFCEA plans to: 

• Further align its programming with the most pressing mission needs 
• Expand opportunities for classified engagement 
• The Intelligence Committee and the Emerging Professionals in the IC Committee are developing a podcast to provide thought leadership and informed insights about the IC. 
• Grow its impact in next-generation security domains 
• And continue to bridge communities that otherwise might never sit at the same table