SENEDIA, the Middletown-based alliance for defense technology, talent and innovation, has named Col. Stephen Guertin as its next executive director, the organization announced Wednesday.
Guertin, who most recently served as chief of staff for the Rhode Island Army National Guard, brings more than two decades of experience in defense and government to the role. He succeeds longtime CEO Molly Donohue Magee, who is transitioning out of the organization to focus on the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium, which she founded in 2016.
“Under Molly’s leadership, SENEDIA has grown exponentially in membership and stature in support of the New England defense sector,” said Board Chair Timothy DelGiudice, director of government relations at member company RTX. “Stephen’s expertise and vision positions SENEDIA to continue our trajectory of growth and progress.”
Prior to serving as chief of staff, Guertin held various roles with the Rhode Island Army National Guard and the U.S. Army, including deputy commander of the state’s Joint Task Force on COVID Response and inspector general. He also served on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I have spent my entire career in service of my country,” Guertin said. “Leading SENEDIA is an exciting next chapter in my service. I am honored to continue to build upon its reach and reputation to ensure that our member businesses and the jobs they represent are poised for success, innovation and growth.”
Guertin will begin onboarding and meeting with key stakeholders in the coming weeks, working closely with Magee to ensure a smooth transition. He is expected to assume the role full time at the end of February.
Guertin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He has also completed advanced operations warfighting courses from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and earned a leadership certificate in homeland security from the Harvard Kennedy School.
More information about SENEDIA and its membership benefits is available at www.SENEDIA.org.