April 30, 2025
Contact: info@cnydefensealliance.org
Rome, NY – The Central New York Defense Alliance (CNYDA) today announced the appointment of Nick Stewart as its new Executive Director. Stewart will succeed Mary C. Chruscicki, who has led the not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization since its creation in 2011.
Stewart will oversee CNYDA’s important mission of advocating for Central New York’s critical federal assets, including the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (Rome Lab), the Defense Finance and Account Service (DFAS), the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS), and the FAA-Designated New York UAS Test Site.
Combined, these sites have an annual regional economic impact of well over $500 million and employ more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel across the region. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Nick Stewart as the new Executive Director of the Central New York Defense Alliance,” said Cheryl Haritatos, CNYDA Board Chair. “His proven track record of leadership and advocacy at both the federal and local levels will be invaluable as we continue to support and promote our region’s vital defense assets.”
“It has been an honor to lead the Central New York Defense Alliance since its founding. I have every confidence that Nick will build on our success and take the organization to new heights,” said MC Chruscicki, Founding Executive Director of CNYDA.
Stewart brings more than a decade of government service in both the executive and legislative branches as well as extensive advocacy experience. Beginning in 2011, Stewart worked as a legislative aide and then senior policy advisor to the late Congressman Richard Hanna. More recently, Stewart served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. In Congress, he successfully worked to authorize Oneida County’s federal drone test site in 2013, increase funding to Rome Lab, boost investment in the region’s high-tech ecosystem and emerging technologies like quantum, protect and grow the DFAS workforce, and support local businesses.
“I am honored to take on this role at the Central New York Defense Alliance and thrilled to be back home in the Mohawk Valley. Rome Lab is the beating heart of Central New York’s high-tech economy, and its future is incredibly bright,” said Stewart. “My priority is to grow our region further, and I’m eager to collaborate closely with community stakeholders as we cement Central New York’s role as a national leader in research and innovation.” In 2017, Stewart was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Department of State, where he managed a portfolio of critical foreign policy and national security issues until 2021. Stewart is a native of New York Mills and now resides in New Hartford. He is a graduate of American University and received his master’s degree from the University of Cambridge.
“I have worked closely with Nick Stewart for many years and have seen firsthand his deep commitment to our region, his strategic thinking, and his ability to deliver real results,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24). “Nick will be a tireless advocate for Central New York’s defense community and a strong, capable leader of the Central New York Defense Alliance. I am confident he will build on the organization’s legacy and help usher in even greater innovation and investment for our region.”
“Oneida County has long been at the forefront of national security, innovation, and economic development, and the Central New York Defense Alliance plays a critical role in advancing these priorities,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Nick Stewart’s experience in government and his deep commitment to our region make him the ideal leader to guide CNYDA into the future. I look forward to working with him to strengthen and grow our defense assets, ensuring that Oneida County remains a hub for cutting-edge technology and strategic investment.”
“I congratulate Nick Stewart on being named executive director of the Central New York Defense Alliance (CNYDA),” said Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R-53). “Nick has the experience, leadership and ability needed to help grow, enhance and strengthen the region’s critical defense assets, and I know he will do well in this position. I also wish to thank Mary C. Chruscicki for the exceptional work she has done leading CNYDA since its creation and her determined advocacy on behalf of Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. She has certainly left a tremendous legacy with and a strong foundation for the organization, and all her efforts are greatly appreciated.”
“I look forward to working with Executive Director, Nick Stewart,” said Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119). “His education and experience will support the long tradition that the community possesses to promote and enhance national security.”
“Nick Stewart’s leadership of the Central New York Defense Alliance comes at the perfect time.” said Griffiss Institute President and CEO, Heather Hage. “We look forward to partnering with CNYDA to strengthen the regional defense industrial base through coordinated advocacy and joint programming that elevates the profile and connectivity of our extraordinary community assets that create more good jobs in the STEM economy, from world-leading government laboratories to premier colleges and leading edge tech companies.”
“On behalf of Mohawk Valley EDGE and Griffiss Local Development Corporation, we welcome Mr. Stewart and his timely appointment as the Executive Director of the Central New York Defense Alliance (CNYDA) amidst the evolving Federal landscape,” said Shawna Papale, President of Mohawk Valley EDGE. “CNYDA was established to ensure the resilience and growth opportunities of key defense entities such as the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (Rome Lab), the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), and the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS). In his role as Executive Director, Nick Stewart is committed to supporting but also growing the presence of the private sector defense ecosystem and the critical defense institutions, including the Lab, DFAS, and EADS.”
“So very glad to have Nick Stewart in this position,” said Ed Abounader, President AFGE-DFAS. “Over the years Nick’s expertise and knowledge have always been of great assistance to DFAS. I look forward to partnering with him again.”
Founded in 2011, the Central New York Defense Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to advocating for the interests of Central New York’s federal assets and advanced defense industry partners. By fostering collaboration with government, industry, and community stakeholders, CNYDA promotes economic growth, innovation, and America’s national security.