Press Release
CNA Welcomes Retired Vice Admiral William Merz to Board of Trustees
Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral William Merz joined the CNA Board of Trustees. Vice Adm. Merz is a 36-year decorated veteran and brings to CNA deep experience in national planning and operations, nuclear energy, strategy, policy, financial management, and international, industry, and congressional engagement.
"Vice Adm. Merz's experience and leadership will be a tremendous addition to CNA's Board of Trustees and its stewardship of CNA," said CNA President and CEO Dr. Katherine McGrady. "I look forward to his insights as we work with our sponsors and clients on unbiased and actionable recommendations."
During his active-duty career, Vice Adm. Merz served as Director of the Undersea Warfare Division, Deputy Chief Naval Officer for Warfighting Requirements, and Deputy Chief Naval Officer for Operations, Plans, and Strategy. His flag tours included Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command and task forces in San Diego, Bahrain, and Japan. He commanded the U.S. 7th Fleet, embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge. Vice Adm. Merz also served as a member of the U.S. Department of Defense Innovation Board.
Regionally, Vice Adm. Merz was the accountable officer for Persian Gulf and Western Pacific operations, Taiwan, U.N. Security Operations in the East China Sea, and coalition operations in Korea. He also oversaw U.S. and NATO maritime response to Ukraine and daily naval interactions with China and Taiwan.
"It is an honor to join the distinguished ranks of the CNA Board of Trustees," said Vice Adm. Merz. "CNA is an essential partner to the military in addressing our nation's security issues. I plan to implement my longstanding military career motto of playing hard into my work with CNA."
Vice Adm. Merz is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in ocean engineering. He holds master's degrees from Catholic University and the Naval War College and completed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Seminar XXI program.
CNA is a nonprofit research and analysis organization dedicated to the safety and security of the nation. It operates the Center for Naval Analyses—the federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) of the Department of the Navy—as well as the Institute for Public Research. CNA develops actionable solutions to complex problems of national importance. With nearly 700 scientists, analysts, and professional staff, CNA takes a real-world approach to gathering data. Its unique Field Program places analysts on aircraft carriers and military bases, in squad rooms and crisis centers, working side by side with operators and decision-makers around the world. CNA supports naval operations, fleet readiness, and strategic competition. Its non-defense research portfolio includes criminal justice, homeland security, and data management.
Note to writers and editors: CNA is not an acronym and is correctly referenced as "CNA, a research organization in Arlington, VA."