President Obama Nominates C.W. Post Alumnus
as Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology

Brookville, NY – Frank Kendall III, a graduate of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, has been nominated as the deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and technology for the United States Department of Defense by President Barack Obama. Kendall received his Master of Business Administration degree at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in 1980.

Kendall is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from California Institute of Technology, and a juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center.

Kendall is currently a managing partner at Renaissance Strategic Advisors, an Arlington, Virginia-based aerospace and defense sector consulting firm. He has more than 35 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition and national security affairs in private industry, government and the military.

For the past 10 years, Kendall had been a consultant to defense industry firms, non-profit research organizations, and the Department of Defense in the areas of strategic planning, engineering management and technology assessment. Kendall has served as an attorney for human rights organizations, working primarily on a pro bono basis. He is a member of the board of directors for Amnesty International USA and chair of the board of directors for the Tahirih Justice Center.

Within government, Kendall held the position of director of tactical warfare programs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the position of assistant deputy under secretary of defense for strategic defense systems. Kendall was vice president of engineering for Raytheon Co, where he was responsible for management direction to the engineering functions throughout the company and for internal research and development. Kendall served 10 years on active duty with the United States Army and as an assistant professor of engineering at West Point Military Academy.

“The Long Island University community is extremely proud of Frank Kendall,” said Long Island University President Dr. David J. Steinberg. “Public service is a noble calling, and Mr. Kendall’s talents and skills will serve our nation well in these complex and uncertain times.”

Francis Bonsignore, dean of the College of Management at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, said, “It would be an honor to have an alumnus in such a prominent position of service to our country. Frank Kendall’s career accomplishments illustrate the value and broad applicability of advanced business education.”

If confirmed by the United States Senate as deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and technology, Kendall will aid in counter-terrorism efforts, assist troops and protect America’s interest through the use of technology. He will focus on strategic acquisition, joint logistics support and efficient installation of technology that meets combat needs.

Posted: July 31, 2009