Navy Secretary Appointed New Senior Counselor
The appointment of a new senior advisor marks a leadership transition impacting Navy shipbuilding and defense procurement policy.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao appointed former Marine Corps aviator C. Scott Duncan as senior counselor, effective October 1, 2026. This move is part of a broader series of leadership changes across the Department of the Navy this fall.
Why it matters
The new counselor will focus on three key priorities: sailor and Marine welfare, shipbuilding, and homeland defense. These strategic shifts carry downstream implications for vendors and contractors navigating procurement and supply chain requirements.
The department has established 3 core priorities for the new leadership team. While these changes are active, the long-term impact on departmental procurement and shipbuilding budget allocations remains to be determined.
The players
Hung Cao
The acting secretary of the Navy who is currently managing a series of high-level administrative appointments.
C. Scott Duncan
A former Marine Corps aviator and TOPGUN instructor recently appointed as senior counselor to provide strategic oversight.
William Toti
A nominee for under secretary of the Navy currently awaiting Senate confirmation.
William Mahan
The official currently performing the duties of the under secretary of the Navy.
Donald Trump
The President of the United States responsible for federal executive branch nominations.
The details
The acting secretary appointed C. Scott Duncan to provide operational and strategic advice, leveraging his experience as a former assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs. This role is central to managing the intersection of defense policy and operational execution at the Pentagon. The appointment coincides with recent leadership shifts, including new roles at the Office of Small Business Programs and Navy Installations Command, which may impact how firms engage with the department.
Timeline
Late August 2026: Nicole Perry assumed leadership of the Office of Small Business Programs.
Mid-September 2026: President Donald Trump nominated William Toti for under secretary of the Navy.
September 24, 2026: Vice Adm. Brad Collins took command of Navy Installations Command.
September 29, 2026: William Mahan was appointed to perform duties of under secretary of the Navy.
October 1, 2026: C. Scott Duncan began his appointment as senior counselor to the Navy Secretary.
Market Landscape
The staffing changes follow a broader departmental effort to realign leadership with the Navy's procurement and shipbuilding strategic priorities. This sequence of appointments establishes a new operational baseline for vendors navigating the Pentagon's contracting ecosystem.
Operators in the defense sector should monitor for updates on the three key department priorities to gauge potential shifts in procurement and supply chain demand. Review your organization's standing with the Office of Small Business Programs to ensure alignment with current departmental leadership.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at the Pentagon frequently signal shifts in procurement focus and regulatory oversight for civilian contractors. Monitor the Office of Small Business Programs and other procurement portals for updated solicitation criteria following these administrative moves.
What happens next
William Mahan will continue to perform the duties of the under secretary of the Navy until William Toti undergoes the Senate confirmation process.
Further reading
For more on shifts in federal leadership and their impact on government contracting, read the latest updates in People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Executive Gov.
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