January 3, 2024
Arizona Defense and Industry Alliance (AZDIC) CEO Lynndy Smith Appointed as sole American on Ukrainian Defense Industry Supervisory Board
PHOENIX, AZ – January 3, 2024 – Lynndy Smith, President and CEO of the Arizona Defense Industry Coalition (AZDIC), has been appointed to the Supervisory Board of the joint-stock company “Ukrainian Defense Industry,” bringing with her a wealth of experience and commitment to international collaboration.
Last week’s approval by the Cabinet of Ministers for the composition of the Supervisory Board signifies a monumental step in the reform of corporate governance within Ukraine’s state-owned defense sector. The new Supervisory Board promises to provide strategic guidance and governance oversight to ensure the effective and transparent management of the Ukrainian Defense Industry, fostering its growth, innovation, and alignment with national security objectives.
Over the past year, AZDIC has diligently worked with Ukraine to identify specific defense needs and align them with solutions from Arizona. This collaborative effort, focused on joint production, de-mining, reconstruction, and more, has laid the groundwork for a stronger defense partnership between Arizona and Ukraine. Building on this success, AZDIC has expanded its commitment to include industry collaboration from states across the US under the umbrella of the Global Defense & Industry Coalition (GDIC).
Lynndy Smith’s position on the Supervisory Board will play a crucial role in furthering this collaborative goal. It will not only enhance ties between the US and Ukraine but also ensure transparency for companies seeking to do business in Ukraine, contributing to the nation’s long-term resilience and progress.
“Lynndy Smith’s appointment to the Ukrainian Defense Industry Supervisory Board will help strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its democracy against Russia’s illegal war with critical oversight, and provides an opportunity for Arizona businesses to expand abroad – fueling strong Arizona careers,” said US Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
“As a leader in our defense community, Lynndy Smith’s appointment as the sole American on the Ukrainian Defense Industry Supervisory Board will strengthen Arizona’s critical role in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s illegal invasion,” said US Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly.
Lynndy is joined on the Supervisory Board by former Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2019-2020, Oleksiy Honcharuk; the President of the Kyiv School of Economics and former Minister of Economy, Tymofiy Milovanov, the former member of the supervisory board of UkrEximBank and the board of NJSC “Naftogaz of Ukraine,” Serhiy Konovalets, and David Lomjaria, a member of the supervisory board of “Ukrzaliznytsia.”
“We worked for a long time to ensure that the Ukrainian defense industry received the best supervisory board. And so it happened. This is a powerful team of professionals with vast experience and expertise”, said Minister Kamyshin.
“My commitment extends beyond mere collaboration,” stated Lynndy Smith, “GDIC is fervently dedicated to leveraging our networks to facilitate strong connections between Ukraine and US defense and related industry. Our goal is not only to assist Ukraine in prevailing in the ongoing war but to actively contribute to the development of a resilient and enduring defense economy. We believe that by forging these connections, Ukraine will not only win the war but lay the foundation for a lasting defense infrastructure.”
About Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC)
The Arizona Defense and Industry Coalition (AZDIC), a chapter of the Global Defense & Industry Coalition (GDIC), is a partnership of regional organizations inspired by Senator McCain, comprising the defense and mining industries, military, veterans, and more. Founding members include West Valley Defense Alliance (WVDA), Southern Arizona Defense Alliance (SADA), and Yuma 50. Together, these groups work closely to foster innovation and advocate for those providing critical resources and services to the U.S. warfighter and our allies abroad. AZDIC’s mission is to unify the Arizona defense industry and its stakeholders to help secure both state and national security through better communication and policy reform. For more information on AZDIC, email info@defensecoalitions.org