MIKE STEVENS NAMED NEW NAVY LEAGUE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Navy League of the United States has named retired 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Na

vy Michael D. Stevens as its new executive director. Stevens will officially assume the position Jan. 7, 2019, at the Navy League’s national headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

During his 33 years in the U.S. Navy, Stevens rose through the ranks, becoming the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, a post he maintained from 2012 to 2016. Steven’s naval career began at the Aviation Structural Mechanic Apprentice School in Millington, Tennessee. He served as Master Chief Petty Officer when assigned to Fleet CompositeEight as the Maintenance Master Chief and Command Master Chief starting in 2002; Command Master Chief for Helicopter Mine Counter measure Squadron 14 in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2006; Commander of the Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic in 2007; Command Master Chief for the Commander of the 2nd Fleet in 2009; and 16th Fleet Master Chief for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in 2010, to name a few highlights.

“The Navy League is laser-focused on supporting our sea services — the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine — through education, advocacy and support, and Mike’s background and experience he brings from the Navy are second-to-none,” said Alan Kaplan, national president of the Navy League of the United States. “He will be essential in advancing our mission, and we are energized to begin incorporating his vision to our operations.”Stevens most recently served as CEO of Viqtory, a marketing company focused on increasing veteran hiring and transitioning service members and their families to civilian life. He was hired by the Pittsburgh company as chief operating officer in 2016. 

Stevens has served on the board of directors for the Association of The United States Navy (AUSN) and was the Chairman for AUSN’s Anchor Society, and was a Navy League member prior to his hire. Previously, he served as a board adviser for the National Museum of the American Sailor and the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation. Stevens is frequent guest lecturer for the Naval Postgraduate School.

“During my time in the Navy, I was able to gain exceptional appreciation for how important it is to have an organization like the Navy League in support of our mission,” said Stevens. “It’s an honor to still be able to serve the Navy community through this new opportunity, and I will strive to find new ways to make our work more relevant and impactful to all the sea services.” 

Stevens received a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College. His personal awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (six awards), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal with operational “O,” the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Insignia and Enlisted Naval Aircrew Wings. 

Stevens is married to Theresa Gautreaux-Stevens, of Pensacola, Florida.