CNA is a distinguished research and analysis organization structured around two primary operational divisions: the Center for Naval Analyses and the Institute for Public Research [1]. Under the leadership of President and CEO Katherine A. W. McGrady, Ph.D., the organization maintains a sophisticated governance structure that combines military expertise, academic credentials, and public sector experience.
The executive leadership team drives strategic direction through a carefully structured hierarchy:
- Katherine A. W. McGrady, Ph.D. - President and Chief Executive Officer
- Kim Deal, Ph.D. - Chief Research Officer
- Christine Peterson - Chief Financial Officer
- Rizwan Jan - Chief Information Officer
The organization's operational framework is divided into two major divisions, each led by experienced executives who oversee specialized units:
- Jeffery M. Peterson - Executive Vice President
- Gordon Jaquith - Executive Director, Department of the Navy Relations
- David M. Finkelstein, Ph.D. - VP and Director, China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs
- Jason E. Thomas, Ph.D. - VP and Director, Operational Warfighting Division
- Timothy L. Beres - Executive Vice President
- David J. Kaufman - VP and Director, Safety and Security
- Halleh Seyson - VP and Director, Enterprise Systems and Data Analysis
- Joseph B. Butcher - VP, Business Development
CNA maintains a strong federal market presence through multiple contract vehicles, with particular emphasis on its role as the Department of the Navy's Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) contractor [1]. Their contract portfolio includes:
- GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract
- Department of the Navy FFRDC Contract
- HHS Program Support Center (PSC) Contract
- Department of State IDIQ Contract
The organization's capabilities span multiple centers of excellence [2], including:
- Center for Justice Research and Innovation
- Center for Emergency Management Operations
- Center for Public Health Preparedness and Resilience
- Center for Data Management and Analytics
- Center for Enterprise Systems Modernization
Recent achievements demonstrate CNA's commitment to innovation and excellence in research and analysis. The organization has secured significant recognition through:
- First place in the AI3 Prize Competition for emergency response communications (2023) [1]
- Selection as a finalist in the DOT Intersection Safety Challenge (2024) [2]
- Award of the GSA OASIS+ Contract (2025) [6]
Under the board leadership of Vice Admiral David C. Johnson, USN (Ret.) [1], CNA continues to strengthen its position through strategic appointments and initiatives, including the launch of their Innovation Day initiative [7] and the establishment of their Innovation Incubator program [8].
For federal support services, CNA offers comprehensive solutions including contract management and closeouts, federal, state and local contract administration, and program management services [1]. Inquiries regarding specific contracts can be directed to their dedicated contracts office at [email protected] [1].