Michael Dignam Joins CRDF Global as New President and CEO

The Board of Directors of CRDF Global announced today that Michael Dignam will join the independent nonprofit as President and CEO on August 1. CRDF Global’s mission is to promote peace and prosperity through international science and technical collaboration.
“After a comprehensive search process, the board is pleased to have found an experienced, talented, and enthusiastic leader to drive CRDF Global’s important work ofengaging scientists and innovators across borders,” said CRDF Global Board Chairman, Paul Longsworth. “Mike has deep experience in the federal sector, fresh perspectives, and a record of outstanding achievement. He is remarkably well qualified to lead CRDF Global forward,” said Longsworth.
From 2011-2014, Dignam served as President and CEO of PAE, an Arlington, VA-based services and logistics company. He led the company through the divestiture of the business from Lockheed Martin in 2011 and the identification and sale to Lindsay Goldberg, a leading private equity firm. As President and CEO, Dignam developed and executed a growth strategy that tripled the business; creating a $2 billion global mission services company with more than 15,000 employees in over 60 countries and 100 locations in the U.S. He later served as Vice Chairman of the Board for PAE and continues as an affiliate partner for Lindsay Goldberg overseeing the federal services market.
Prior to his role with PAE, Dignam spent 25 years with Lockheed Martin holding a variety of leadership and executive management positions. He is known among his peers and former staff members as a creative and energetic leader.
With a deep commitment to international social and economic issues, Dignam serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Corporate Council on Africa Board of Directors. Dignam is a member of the Boulder Crest Retreat Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Advisors for SGT, a federal government services provider and Sensei, a healthcare mobility software development startup.
Dignam’s long experience working with federal agencies includes many that fund CRDF Global activities. He understands the importance of cross-border cooperation in global peace and prosperity. “CRDF Global’s mission to foster international scientific and technical collaboration and build capacity to address important global problems is deeply appealing to me,” says Dignam. “I’m excited to join with the CRDF Global staff in expanding the organization’s reach and growing its business.”
The announcement follows an extensive search by Korn Ferry, a nationally recognized recruiting firm. The search began after previous president and CEO, Cathy Campbell, announced that she was stepping down after 14 years with CRDF Global, including 10 years as CEO.
Media interested in interviewing Michael Dignam should contact Becky Sheetz-Runkle:
bsheetz@beckysheetz.com703-501-0533