Mitchell Waldman

Mitchell “Mitch” Waldman is President and CEO of M. Barnet Advisors, LLC, a consultancy focused on enhancing performance in the aerospace and defense sector by providing strategic advisory services to private equity and the defense industrial base supply chain.  Retiring in 2021 following over a decade of service as Executive Vice President and management team member of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Waldman was responsible for government and customer relations as well as corporate internal research and development.  From 2008 to 2011, Waldman was an executive with Northrop Grumman Corporation, including service as vice president of business development, advanced programs and technology, for Northrop Grumman’s aerospace systems sector.

From 2003 to 2008, Waldman served as national security advisor for Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and as a national security consultant to the office of the Senate Majority Leader.  Previously, Waldman served in several executive positions for the U.S. Navy, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (SHIPS) from 2000 to 2003, Director of Navy Ship Cost Engineering and Industrial Analysis from 1998 to 2000, and Deputy Program Manager for Amphibious Warfare Programs (PMS377) from 1995 to 1998.  Waldman began his federal civilian career in 1979 as an engineering technician for the Navy. 

Waldman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor degree from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.  He is also a graduate of Yale University’s Executive Management Program and the Defense Systems Management College Program Manager’s course.  He has been honored with the U.S. Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the U.S. Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the State of Mississippi Distinguished Civilian Service Award, and the D.C. City Council of Engineering Societies Architect of the Year award.

He currently serves as national vice president and member of the board and executive committee for the Navy League of the United States.  Additionally, Waldman is chairman emeritus and current member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.  He also serves on external advisory boards for George Mason University’s center for government contracting and University of Florida’s department of mechanical and aerospace engineering.  Previously, Waldman served as vice chairman of the board of trustees for the Naval War College Foundation and as a board member for BMT Designers and Planners, an engineering firm engaged in the design of Navy and Coast Guard maritime platforms.