NDIA Announces New Board Leadership

John Bonsell Named Board Chair and Gabe Camarillo Named Vice Chair

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES, August 25, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) has announced new leadership for the organization’s Board of Directors, with John Bonsell assuming the role of Chair. Bonsell will lead the organization for two years. The Hon. Gabe Camarillo was elected by the Board of Directors to serve as Vice Chair. Bonsell succeeds the Hon. Lisa S. Disbrow, whose two-year term as Board Chair has concluded. Disbrow will continue supporting NDIA as Immediate Past Chair.

Disbrow welcomed the leaders in their new roles. "John served as my Vice Chair, and I've seen firsthand the judgment he brings to this Association," said Disbrow. "Pairing his experience with Gabe's is exactly what NDIA's members need next. I'm confident the Association is in good hands."

Bonsell brings decades of experience in defense, government affairs, and national security policy to the role. He previously served as NDIA’s Vice Chair and has held senior positions on the Senate Armed Services Committee, including Majority Staff Director and Minority Staff Director. He currently serves as Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at SAIC.

Camarillo has extensive leadership experience across the Department of Defense and private sector. He served as the 35th Under Secretary of the Army, overseeing the Army’s budget, personnel, installations, acquisition, and modernization priorities, and earlier held the roles of Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition. He currently serves as President of the Defense Sector at Peraton.

“John and Gabe bring deep experience in both government and industry,” said David L. Norquist, President & CEO of NDIA. “That combination will serve our members well. I want to thank Lisa for her leadership as Chair, and for her continued commitment to NDIA's mission."

NDIA will formally introduce its new Chair and Vice Chair to members of the defense and national security community during the Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition (ETC), Sept. 8–10 in Washington, D.C. The event brings together senior government, military, industry, and technology leaders to address emerging capabilities and the technologies shaping the future of national defense.

About NDIA
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 and its 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. For more information, visit NDIA.org

Rachel Sutherland
National Defense Industrial Association
rsutherland@ndia.org
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