New Director Takes Helm at Military Business Center
North Carolina firms pursuing federal contracts will see new leadership manage their access to defense procurement opportunities.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Military Jobs
Live Poll
Do you believe local defense business centers effectively help regional companies secure government contracts?
Martin J. Hendrix III began his tenure as executive director of the North Carolina Military Business Center on Oct. 1, 2026, succeeding long-time leader Scott Dorney. The organization facilitates federal contracting opportunities for state businesses within the defense sector.
Why it matters
The center plays a critical role in the state economy by assisting local firms in navigating complex procurement processes to win federal bids. With defense standing as North Carolina's second-largest economic sector, leadership continuity remains vital for firms pursuing government contracts.
Since opening in 2005, the center has secured more than 7,000 federal contracts valued at nearly $19 billion. The organization reported $10.5 billion in prime federal contracts achieved during 2025.
The players
Martin J. Hendrix III
The current executive director who previously oversaw statewide programs connecting businesses to federal opportunities after a 25-year U.S. Army career.
Scott Dorney
The founding executive director who led the organization from its 2005 opening through 2026.
North Carolina Military Business Center
A state-supported entity that helps North Carolina businesses secure federal and defense contracts.
The details
The NCMBC operates with logistical and operational support from the community college system to connect businesses with federal opportunities. Under the transition plan, Hendrix and Dorney are currently meeting with stakeholders to ensure continuity in procurement advocacy. The organization focuses on the defense and federal sector, which represents the second-largest segment of the state's economy.
Timeline
2004: Scott Dorney presented the concept for the organization.
2005: The North Carolina Military Business Center opened.
2025: The organization achieved $10.5 billion in prime federal contracts.
Oct. 1, 2026: Martin J. Hendrix III officially assumed the role of executive director.
2035: Target date to reach $20 billion in total federal contracts.
Market Landscape
The leadership change follows the established precedent of utilizing the North Carolina Community College System infrastructure to drive statewide defense procurement. This model differentiates the state's approach to capturing federal spending compared to other regions without integrated academic-business support.
Business owners should review the updated leadership's procurement outreach schedule as the organization pushes toward a $20 billion contract target. Maintaining active status with the center remains essential for firms looking to gain visibility in the highly competitive federal defense contracting pipeline.
The takeaway
The center remains a primary conduit for defense-related business expansion in the state. Owners should continue monitoring the organization's event portal for upcoming workshops that align with the 2035 federal contract growth target.
Further reading
For more on how organizations facilitate sector growth, visit Military Jobs.
More information
View the NCMBC information and event calendar to track upcoming procurement opportunities and stakeholder meetings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BizFayetteville.
Live Poll
Do you believe local defense business centers effectively help regional companies secure government contracts?
