MissionLink News
As reported by washingtontimes.com
MissionLink mentioned by Bill Gertz in
"Inside the Ring"
Defense CEOs network
As Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates initiates a major program to cut defense spending by trying to improve efficiencies, chief executive officers for midsized defense and intelligence contractors are meeting behind closed doors as part of a new business group called MissionLink.
The group was founded by local business executives and former defense and intelligence officials, key among them former National Security Agency Deputy Director Bill Crowell.
"MissionLink is an exclusive forum for CEOs of high-growth, mission-oriented defense and security companies to network with experienced large-company executives and former government leaders," Mr. Crowell told Inside the Ring. "The endgame is better collaboration and efficiency by providing these rising stars with the foundation for enhanced strategies for meeting their customers' and our nation's security goals."
The CEOs get together for closed-door meetings to discuss common problems, exchange ideas and network.
According to the group's mission statement, "leaders from growing national-security-focused companies have many lessons to learn and experiences to share."
"Some things can only best be understood by peers, not employees, investors or even co-founders," it says. "MissionLink's unique environment provides participants with exclusive opportunity; it's an easy and enjoyable way to learn quickly from peers and industry and government experts who have been there."
The latest seven-session program begins Oct. 5 with an intelligence brief and national-security market analysis, led by former Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England.
CEOs who take part are then invited to continue collaboration and sharing on a closed-access e-mail network.