President's Commentary: The Future’s Bright for Our AFCEA Family

As many of you know, this month I step away from AFCEA International to retire—for the third time! 

I first retired from the U.S. Army, then from industry and now from the most rewarding chapter of all—serving this remarkable association. Leading AFCEA has been both a privilege and a joy, and I do so with full confidence that the organization and our global family will continue to thrive as Lt. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, USA (Ret.), assumes the role of president and CEO.

Bruce and I share a long professional history rooted in service to the Army, to the joint environment and to the nation. Over the course of our careers, we held several of the same demanding leadership roles, including serving as the U.S. Army chief information officer/G-6. We both commanded enterprise-scale organizations, led theater-level networks overseas and were entrusted with modernizing and securing the Army’s information environment during periods of rapid technological change. Those shared experiences matter. They shape judgment, reinforce the importance of people over platforms and instill a deep respect for collaboration across government, industry and academia—principles at the very core of AFCEA’s mission.

Bruce brings to this role a distinguished 34-year Army career. He later carried those same leadership qualities into industry, driving digital transformation and innovation while supporting and mentoring future leaders. 

What stands out about him is consistent: character, competence and commitment. He’s a proven leader with a strategic mind, a steady hand and values that never waver. When leadership, experience and purpose align, you don’t just get a CEO—you get momentum. AFCEA is in strong hands.

Bruce mentioned recently that he felt I was asking him to take care of my family, and I said he was exactly right: AFCEA is my family.

He has been a steadfast supporter of AFCEA for many years—serving on our board of directors, helping guide governance and financial stewardship and consistently engaging with chapters, members and partners. He understands our AFCEA family because he has been an integral member for so many years.

I could not be prouder of where AFCEA stands today. The association is strong by every meaningful measure. We have achieved record membership, a clear indicator of AFCEA’s growing relevance across government, military, industry and academia. Our chapters—both domestic and international—are strong and highly engaged, providing local connection while advancing AFCEA’s global mission. Our conferences continue to set the standard for mission-focused dialogue and collaboration, with record-breaking attendance at events such as this month’s TechNet Cyber and continued momentum across our broader portfolio of events.

AFCEA’s value to its members has never been clearer. We connect communities. We develop leaders. We educate, inform and convene stakeholders working at the intersection of technology, security and mission outcomes. Through trusted forums, professional development, scholarships, STEM outreach and our SIGNAL Media publications, AFCEA delivers tangible benefits that matter today and will matter even more in the future. Those benefits will continue under Gen. Crawford’s leadership—and I am confident they will grow and evolve as he brings fresh energy, innovation and vision to the association.

While leadership transitions always mark change, they also reinforce continuity. I leave AFCEA with complete confidence in Bruce Crawford’s character, leadership and commitment to service—and in an organization that is well positioned for the future, supported by exceptional volunteers, dedicated staff and an engaged global membership. Though my role now transitions once again, my pride in AFCEA and my belief in its mission do not waver.

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me over these years. I look forward to watching AFCEA’s next chapter unfold under Gen. Crawford’s leadership and know that the AFCEA family will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.

In short, we will continue to shape our future together, and that future is bright!