Mitch Turner
Chief Information Officer
A Naval Academy graduate, Mitch served as a Cryptologic Officer for over 12 years. He began his Naval career as Operations Officer for the Classic Wizard Program Operations Coordination Group at the National Security Agency. From 1989 to 1992, he served as Electronic Warfare Office and Tactical Action Officer in USS MERRILL (DD-976), which deployed twice to the Persian Gulf, including a deployment to help clear the mines from the Persian Gulf in the later stages of Operation Desert Storm.
After earning his master's degree, Mitch served at the National Reconnaissance Office as Deputy Director, Operational Support Office (OSO), from 1994-1998.
He was responsible for managing software development of several intelligence software applications used by all services, as well as OSO’s complex IT infrastructure of over 500 computers on networks at four different classification levels.
Mitch left the Navy to pursue career opportunities in technology. From 1999-2002, he stood up a commercial e-Business practice for a consulting firm in Arlington, VA. From 2002-2006 he led the Web and Programming Department at ECPI College of Technology in Manassas, VA, as well as teaching web development, programming, and computer and network technologies.
From 2006-2015, Mitch directed all web and email activities for the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), while serving on the executive team planning and implementing strategy for HSLDA. From 2016-March 2023, Mitch was the Senior Director, Information Technology for NDIA, where he had the responsibility of leading all IT infrastructure and web activities for America’s leading defense industry association.
Mitch holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the US Naval Academy and a master’s in Systems Technology (Space Systems Operations) from the Naval Postgraduate School. He has been a certified Project Management Professional since 2005.
A recipient of many governmental awards including the Defense Meritorious Service, Joint Service Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation, and Kuwait Liberation Medals, Mitch, his wife Cheryl, and eight of their eleven children live in Hamilton, VA.