Michael Cadenazzi
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy
Michael Cadenazzi earned an undergraduate degree from Tulane University and was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy through the ROTC program. He later received a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
Cadenazzi served as a naval cryptologic warfare officer. He served in the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet and later concluded his military service with U.S. Naval Forces Europe.
Cadenazzi became an entrepreneur and consultant in the aerospace and defense sector. He created defense industry services and technology startups for intelligence and analysis, market assessment and strategy. He engaged in mergers and acquisitions, operations, and supply chains for domestic and international clients and contractors.
President Donald Trump nominated Cadenazzi to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy in March 2025. He was confirmed by the Senate and sworn into office on September 23, 2025.
In the News…
Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy Michael Cadenazzi manages the Defense Department’s new website, which provides guidance and resources to industry partners on restrictions on procurement from Chinese military companies under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024. The site details timelines for supply chain prohibitions on direct and indirect goods and services.
The Pentagon stated, “The new website… managed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy serves as a central hub for information regarding the upcoming prohibitions.”
The Pentagon continued, “The site provides critical resources for companies doing business with the Department, including a clear process for requesting a waiver.“
