Adm. Michael Gilday (Ret.)

After more than three decades of distinguished service in the U.S. Navy as a surface warfare officer, Adm. Michael Gilday was named the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations, the Navy’s most senior officer. Adm. Gilday held that position for four years, until his retirement in 2023.

His storied naval career included command at all levels, including leadership roles on the Joint Staff, at the White House, NATO, U.S. Cyber Command, and the Pentagon, as well as international collaborations to strengthen allied interoperability.

Since 2024, Adm. Gilday has been a member of the operating executive board at J.F. Lehman & Company. He also serves as a strategic advisor at Saronic Technologies, Inc., a developer of unmanned surface vehicles.

Adm. Gilday earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the National War College.