ADS Unveils New Executive Team and Board Member for Enhanced Leadership

ADS Announces Executive Leadership Changes

ADS, one of the top 25 federal contractors and a premier provider of military equipment, made headlines with its recent announcement regarding significant changes in executive leadership. These changes are designed to enhance collaboration and support the company's long-term growth strategy as it moves into the new year.

Key Changes in Leadership

On December 10, 2024, ADS confirmed that John Dunn, the company's current Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is set to join its Board of Directors in June 2025. This will be notable as it marks the first time a team member, other than the founder and chairman, Luke Hillier, will hold a position on the board. This transition is not just a formality; Dunn's leadership is expected to bring vital insights and strategic guidance to the board's operations.

Ryan Angold, the CEO of ADS, expressed his excitement, stating, "John is a true leader who will remain engaged in key aspects of our business while providing us with his trusted strategic guidance and oversight." Dunn's extensive knowledge and familiarity with the company make him a valued asset as ADS continues to navigate the complex landscape of defense contracting.

New Executive Roles

Dunn's move to the board will initiate a shift in roles for three other executives within the company. Nick Casassa, who currently serves as the Vice President of Finance, will take over as the Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Dunn. Casassa has been with ADS since 2018 and has seen a rapid career progression from Assistant Controller to his current position, demonstrating a strong commitment and skill set that makes him suitable for the CFO role.

In addition, Jeff Gordon, previously the Vice President of Operations, will now step up as the Executive Vice President of Operations. Since joining ADS in 2018, Gordon has brought his expertise in purchasing and planning to the company, preparing him well for his new responsibilities.

Lastly, Julie Cooke, the current Chief Growth Officer, will assume additional responsibilities that will include oversight of Human Resources, IT, and Business Analytics, which were previously under Dunn's direction. Her portfolio already includes Communications, Talent Acquisition, and Marketing, making her a pivotal player in driving growth initiatives at ADS.

Looking Ahead

The reshuffling of roles within ADS reflects a strategic approach to leadership that aims to maintain the company's agility and responsiveness to the challenges within the defense sector. CEO Angold praised the strengths of the newly promoted executives: "Nick, Jeff, and Julie embody the core values of ADS both in their individual contributions to the organization and the momentum with which they have led their respective teams. I'm excited to watch them rise to these new challenges.”

ADS has been a trusted partner for the Department of Defense, Federal Agencies, and First Responders for over 25 years. It is known for its impressive capability to vet and deliver innovative, cost-effective equipment solutions through extensive procurement channels. The upcoming changes in leadership are expected to further ADS's mission of ensuring that their clients, such as warfighters and first responders, have the essential tools and resources to carry out their missions effectively and safely.

This revamped executive team is poised to navigate the complexities of defense contracting while sustaining ADS’s commitment to excellence and innovation as they step into new roles and responsibilities.

Conclusion

The changes within ADS's leadership structure mark a significant step in the company's evolution. As the new board member and executives take on their roles, the team is expected to guide ADS into an era of enhanced collaboration and sustained growth, with a clear focus on adapting to the ever-changing demands of the military and defense sectors.