ARLINGTON, VA., Aug. 24, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Defense Industrial Association today announced the appointment of René Carbone Bardorf as Chief Communications Officer. René will report to NDIA's President and CEO, General Craig McKinley, USAF (Ret).
"René is a highly-respected, talented leader who will bring a wealth of experience and perspective to NDIA as we approach nearly 100 years of support to America's Defense Industry and our men and women in uniform" said Arnold Punaro, Chairman of the NDIA Board of Directors.
In her new role, Bardorf will lead NDIA's corporate relations, community outreach, and overall corporate communication strategy. She will focus on brand enhancement and communicating clear, coordinated messages to internal and external constituencies. "Building a strong coalition of defense industry businesses, non-profits and individuals during challenging fiscal and political times is foundational to NDIA's vision and René will play a critical role in bringing our strategy to life," said McKinley.
Bardorf joins NDIA from the Department of Defense where she held the White House appointed position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. She served as a principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on matters related to public affairs and community outreach. Through policy change and proactive relationship cultivation across industry sectors she established an unprecedented level of collaboration and transparency to support the Department's initiatives, and the needs of the nation's all-volunteer force.
Prior to joining the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Bardorf served as the founding Executive Director of the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF). There she led a venture-philanthropy model for grantmaking that found and funded the most effective programs to address the wide spectrum of challenges that Service members and their families face after war. Previously, over thirteen years she served in a number of civilian leadership positions in the United States Marine Corps, and was a co-founder of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
About National Defense Industrial Association
The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is America's leading Defense Industry association promoting national security. NDIA provides a legal and ethical forum for the exchange of information between industry and government on national security issues. NDIA members foster the development of the most innovative and superior equipment, training and support for warfighters and first responders through its divisions, local chapters, affiliated associations and events.
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