Business Executives for National Security Names Vice Admiral Andrew Lewis, USN (Ret.) as Senior VP of Policy and Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
January 7, 2022

CONTACT: Nate Thompson 
(202) 296-2125 
nthompson@bens.org

WASHINGTON, DC—Business Executives for National Security (BENS) names retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral and former commander of the United States Second Fleet and NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk, Andrew Lewis, to the role of Senior Vice President of Policy and Projects. The move will strengthen BENS and reinforce its commitment to bring the best talent in business together with senior defense and national security leaders. 

Admiral Lewis, who formally assumes the position on March 1, 2022, will work collaboratively with business executives and leaders in the federal government’s national security enterprise to apply best business practices in addressing the nation’s most pressing security challenges. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Admiral Lewis to the BENS team, he is one of our nation’s finest military leaders and strategists,” said General Joseph Votel, USA (Ret.), president and CEO of BENS. “We know that his proven leadership, integrity, strategic vision and intellect will continue to propel BENS as the premier source of business counsel to the defense and national security sector.” 

During his 36-year military career, Lewis served in a variety of command and staff positions in the Navy and the Joint Force including command assignments up to and including Commander of U.S. Second Fleet and NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk. As a naval aviator he has flown over 100 combat missions and has accumulated over 5,300 flight hours and 1,100 arrested landings. Admiral Lewis graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Air Command and Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College, and holds a master’s in Military History from the University of Alabama. 

“In today’s complex and evolving security environment, BENS’ work is vitally important,” said Lewis. “I have always been impressed by the dedication and depth of expertise of the BENS staff, and the nonpartisan, selfless contributions that business leaders bring to bear to help preserve our nation’s security. I am deeply honored to join the team and advance the BENS mission.” 

Lewis has served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, vice director for Operations, and director of Fleet Training at Fleet Forces Command. His command tours include Carrier Strike Group 12, Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, and Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 15. 

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Business Executives for National Security (BENS) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit comprised of business leaders throughout the nation who volunteer their time and expertise to help address the national security community’s most pressing challenges. For more information, please visit: www.BENS.org (http://www.BENS.org).