CEOs and Senior Government Officials from the National Security Sector Meet at MissionLink Event

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CEOs from companies that specialize in national security technologies and services gathered at a MissionLink event at the Tower Club in Vienna, VA., to hear from an expert panel of government leaders from the Intelligence and Defense Community to discuss the National Security IT Landscape – Challenges, Requirements & Opportunities.

The MissionLink panel, moderated by Melissa Hathaway, former Senior Director for Cyberspace, consisted of Ms. Dawn Meyerriecks, Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Acquisition and Technology, Teri Takai, CIO, Department of Defense and Jill Singer, CIO, National Reconnaissance Office.

"MissionLink is the premier networking and knowledge sharing venue for the business leaders and decision makers in the national security community," said Chris Gladwin, CEO of CleverSafe.

MissionLink brings together CEOs, decision makers and critical thinkers from the most promising companies dedicated to the mission of defense, intelligence and national security. The platform fosters collaboration and innovation among these leaders. It also provides an ideal setting for networking and knowledge sharing with peers.

Blue Ridge Networks Executive Chairman John Higgenbotham said, "MissionLink has become a valuable forum for generating insightful discussion of critical national security issues among recognized leaders in government and industry.  It's focus on continuity of participation coupled with the high quality of its programs provides a unique environment of trust and rapport among its participants to constructively address the nature of solutions to major challenges affecting our nation.  It has been a privilege to be associated with such an impressive initiative."

"We are honored to host such esteemed government officials who were very candid about their IT challenges and requirements. The member CEOs know it will take a strong combination of game changing products and innovative approaches and services to improve the nation's cybersecurity posture and enhance the Government's national security mission," said Jeremy King, Managing Partner at Benchmark Executive Search and MissionLink Board Member.

Each month these hand-picked CEOs engage with a panel of experts to discuss current issues facing their companies, exchange ideas and meet other successful leaders in the field of national security. Upon completion of the year-long program, the participants are invited to a formal MissionLink graduation ceremony where the group explores ways to give back to the community and those who support the mission of national security.

About MissionLink

Founded by a local group of prominent business executives and former national security leaders, MissionLink brings together leading CEOs dedicated to the mission of defense, intelligence and national security for invitation-only forums designed to foster collaboration and innovation among industry decision makers, critical thinkers and pacesetters. MissionLink provides executives with an opportunity for peer to peer networking, mentorship and knowledge-sharing in an exclusive setting. Each month participants engage with a panel of experts to discuss current issues facing their companies, exchange ideas and meet other successful leaders in the field. MissionLink is sponsored by Argy, Wiltse & Robinson, P.C., Benchmark Executive Search Inc., Cooley LLP, Dutko Worldwide and Kipps DeSanto & Co.

For more information, visit www.MissionLinkDC.org.  

SOURCE Benchmark Executive Search