Central New York Defense Alliance names new executive director

ROME, N.Y. — The Central New York Defense Alliance (CNYDA) has appointed Nick Stewart as its new executive director. Stewart will succeed Mary C. Chruscicki, who has led the not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization since its creation in 2011. Stewart will oversee CNYDA’s mission of advocating for Central New York’s critical federal assets, including the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (Rome Lab), the Defense Finance and Account Service (DFAS), the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS), and the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site, according to an April 30 CNYDA announcement Combined, these sites have an annual regional economic impact of more than $500 million and employ more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel across the region. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Nick Stewart as the new Executive Director of the Central New York Defense Alliance,” Cheryl Haritatos, CNYDA board chair, said in the announcement. “His proven track record of leadership and advocacy at both the federal and local levels will be invaluable as we continue to support and promote our region’s vital defense assets.” Stewart brings more than a decade of government service in both the executive and legislative branches as well as extensive advocacy experience. Beginning in 2011, Stewart worked as a legislative aide and then senior policy advisor to the late Congressman Richard Hanna. More recently, Stewart served as chief of staff to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. In Congress, he successfully worked to authorize Oneida County’s federal drone test site in 2013, increase funding to Rome Lab, boost investment in the region’s high-tech ecosystem and emerging technologies like quantum, protect and grow the DFAS workforce, and support local businesses, per the CNYDA. In 2017, Stewart was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Department of State, where he managed a portfolio of critical foreign policy and national-security issues until 2021. Stewart is a native of New York Mills and now resides in New Hartford. He is a graduate of American University and received his master’s degree from the University of Cambridge. “Oneida County has long been at the forefront of national security, innovation, and economic development, and the Central New York Defense Alliance plays a critical role in advancing these priorities,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said in the announcement. “Nick Stewart’s experience in government and his deep commitment to our region make him the ideal leader to guide CNYDA into the future. I look forward to working with him to strengthen and grow our defense assets, ensuring that Oneida County remains a hub for cutting-edge technology and strategic investment.”