President

Cedric Pringle is a retired rear admiral following a 34-and-a-half-year career in the U.S. Navy. His service culminated as the 31st commandant of National War College at National Defense University. During his distinguished career, he led joint, combined, multinational, and interagency organizations, both at sea and ashore, across all aspects of defense, including full spectrum operations, strategic planning, crisis management, and congressional affairs.

Among his numerous assignments, he commanded Expeditionary Strike Group 3, the Navy’s largest Strike Group, that is composed of 15 ships, 31 subordinate commands, and 15,000 Sailors and Marines. Prior to his selection as a flag officer, he commanded the Navy’s first hybrid propulsion drive ship, USS Makin Island (LHD 8), earning multiple awards for operational and leadership excellence, as well as the President’s Volunteer Service Award for community outreach. Additionally, he served as Director of the Navy’s Senate Liaison office where he facilitated enduring relationships between Department of Navy leaders, U.S. Senators, and key Senate staff members.

A proven leader during crisis responses, he commanded the USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) during Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief in 2005 and served as the commander of Joint Task Force Matthew, leading relief and recovery efforts in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew, in 2016.

Mr. Pringle earned a BS in Economics from the University of South Carolina, an MS in Financial Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an MA in National Security Strategy from the Naval War College. He also completed executive courses in Strategic Thinking at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, Leading Innovation at the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Leadership University for Humanity course with Korn Ferry.

He serves as the 25th President of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA), an organization dedicated to supporting the Sea Services in recruiting, professional development, and retention of a diverse officer corps that reflects the demographics of our nation.