Hawk Carlisle to step down from NDIA leadership

Retired Air Force Gen. Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle is stepping down from his role in leading one of the largest trade associations representing government contractors.

He became president and CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association in 2017 and plans to stay on until a successor is named, which is expected before April 1.

Prior to NDIA, Carlisle served in the Air Force for 39 years and retired in 2017. His last assignment was as commander of the Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this superb organization (NDIA) whose important work drives government, industry, and academic collaboration to provide solutions that advance the national security and defense needs of our great nation,” Carlisle said in an association release.

NDIA board chair Arnold Punaro said Carlisle leaves the organization in a strong position for the next president and CEO.

“His strong leadership helped grow our membership and further the strategic dialogue between the defense community and the legislative and executive branches even during COVID restrictions,” he said.

A special board committee with support from executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates is conducting the search for Carlisle’s successor.

Other highlights from Carlisle’s Air Force career include commander of Pacific Air Forces; the Air Component Commander for U.S. Pacific Command; and executive director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff, Joint Base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Carlisle graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and received a master’s degree from Golden Gate University.

Carlisle has weighed in on variety of topics as head of NDIA, from the supply chain to budget challenges to mergers and acquisitions.

In the fall, he joined us in this episode of Project 38 episode and we talked about the power of M&A to drive innovation in the market.