News Release
Katherine McGrady Receives Virginia Business Women in Leadership Award
Yesterday, Virginia Business honored CNA President and CEO Katherine McGrady as a 2026 Women in Leadership Awards recipient. The honorees were selected by the Viginia Business leadership team. The Women in Leadership Awards celebrate top women executives for their overall professional accomplishments, civic engagement, mentorship, leadership, and integrity. Over the past 11 years as CEO, Dr. McGrady has modernized the not-for-profit analytical organization and positioned it in new areas for growth, including data science, autonomous systems, the industrial base, and maritime revitalization.
“The 2026 Women in Leadership honorees are exemplary executives who are making significant contributions to their organizations and communities as trailblazing mentors who are encouraging future generations of professional women to pursue their own paths and ambitions,” said Richard Foster, associate publisher and editor of Virginia Business.
“I am honored to be selected as one of the recipients of the Women in Leadership Award,” said Dr. McGrady. “Throughout my career, I’ve always believed good leadership is about giving people the opportunity to contribute, grow, and lead. I’m especially proud to help open doors for the next generation of leaders.”
Dr. McGrady began her career with CNA as an analyst in 1988. She served in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield and Desert Storm as the CNA field analyst to the Commander of Marine Forces Central Command and Commander, I Marine Expeditionary Force. In 1993, the Department of the Navy presented her with the Superior Public Service Award. Before becoming CEO in 2015, her roles at CNA included director of the Marine Corps Program, director of research, and chief operating officer.
Women in Leadership honorees were celebrated at an October 6 awards banquet at the Science Museum of Virginia’s Dewey Gottwald Center in Richmond. Winners will also be recognized in the October issue of Virginia Business and online at VirginiaBusiness.com.
For more information visit virginiabusiness.com/event/womeninleadership
The CNA Corporation (CNA) is a not-for-profit analytical organization dedicated to the safety and security of the nation. With nearly 700 scientists, analysts, and professional staff across the world, CNA's mission is to provide data-driven, innovative solutions to our nation's toughest problems. It operates the Center for Naval Analyses—the Department of the Navy's federally funded research and development center (FFRDC)—as well as the Institute for Public Research. The Center for Naval Analyses provides objective analytics to inform decision-making by military leaders and ultimately improve the lethality and effectiveness of the joint force. The Institute for Public Research leverages data analytics and innovative methods to support federal, state, and local government officials as they work to advance national and homeland security.
Note to writers and editors: CNA is not an acronym and is correctly referenced as “CNA, an independent not-for-profit analytical organization.” Please do not refer to us as a think tank.