News 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 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—a 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 the decision-making of military leaders and ultimately improve the lethality and effectiveness of the Joint Force. The Institute for Public Research leverages data analytics and sophisticated methods to support federal, state, and local government officials as they work to protect the homeland, the American people, and industry.
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.