Business Executives for National Security (BENS) said yesterday former Air Force chief of staff, retired Gen. Norton Schwartz, has been elected as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer (CEO).

Former Air Force chief of staff retired Gen. Norton Schwartz. Photo: Air Force.

Schwartz replaces retired Army Gen. Montgomery Meigs, who will step down July 22 after more than three years as BENS president and CEO. Schwartz retired as the Air Force’s 19th chief of staff in October after serving more than 39 years in the air service.

“Gen. Schwartz has an exemplary record of strong leadership and success on behalf of our nation,” BENS Chairman Bruce Mosler said yesterday in a statement. “As Air Force chief of staff, his tenure was marked by a number of innovations that reflect BENS’ mission and the priorities of our members. We’re thrilled to have him join us as we continue advancing America’s national security interests.”

Founded in 1982, BENS says it is a nationwide, non-partisan organization that applies best business practices to develop, for government officials, solutions to the United States’ most challenging problems in national security, particularly in defense and homeland security.