Named to the position in January 2026, Donnelly is responsible for corporation’s engagement with the executive branch and the fleet for the Newport News Shipbuilding portfolio. He is based in HII’s Arlington, Virginia office.

Prior to joining HII, Donnelly served over 36 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 2026 as the Director of Air Warfare (OPNAV N98), responsible for naval aviation requirements and budget programming. During his naval service he was commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FIVE FOUR (VFA-154), USS Denver (LPD 9), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Donnelly also served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea and of Carrier Strike Group FIVE.

Donnelly earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Villanova University and a master’s degree in national security and strategic decision making from the U.S. Naval War College.