Global Defense Partners announces Dave Kurtz as president, chief operating officer

Global Defense Partners, Inc. (GDP) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Dave Kurtz as President and Chief Operating Officer, marking an important step in the company's continued growth and development of its executive leadership team. Founded by Daniel Nash, GDP was established with a focus on supporting the defense community through strong relationships, mission-focused execution and a commitment to delivering meaningful results for customers and partners. Dave Kurtz joins GDP with extensive executive leadership and operational experience developed throughout a distinguished career in the United States Navy and in organizational leadership. His experience includes leading large, multi-disciplinary organizations of up to 11,000 personnel, managing significant resources and operating in complex, high-stakes environments where accountability, precision, safety and mission execution are essential. Kurtz's leadership background includes commanding an operational Naval Aviation squadron, executive officer of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, command of an amphibious assault ship and chief of staff to the Commander of Naval Special Warfare. Kurtz has extensive experience in operational excellence, process improvement, compliance, resource allocation, data analytics and leadership development. He is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt practitioner and holds a Data Analytics Certificate from MIT Sloan School of Management. His academic background includes a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy. "Dave brings a level of leadership experience, operational understanding and commitment to developing people that aligns extremely well with the culture we are building at Global Defense Partners," said Daniel Nash, Founder & Managing Partner of Global Defense Partners. "Building this company has always been about building the right team. Dave understands what it means to lead people, execute a mission, continuously improve and remain accountable to the people and organizations we serve. I'm excited to have him join us in this next chapter of GDP." As president and COO, Kurtz will work closely with Nash and the GDP team as the company continues to develop its organizational capabilities, strengthen strategic relationships and support the evolving needs of the defense community. "I am excited to join Global Defense Partners and work alongside Dan and the team," said Kurtz. "The opportunity to contribute to an organization focused on warfighter readiness and meaningful outcomes is one I take seriously. I look forward to helping build on the foundation Dan has created and contributing to the company's continued growth." Kurtz's leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, accountability, continuous improvement, adaptability, and developing people. His approach reflects a belief that strong organizations are built by giving teams the clarity, resources, and leadership necessary to succeed.