The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to announce that RADM Edward Masso, USN (Ret.), has joined the Institute as a Senior Fellow. Commenting on his appointment, Rear Admiral Masso said, "I am honored to become part of the very impressive team of senior fellows that Potomac Institute has assembled over the years.  I hope to contribute to the mission success of the Potomac Institute and its government partners, and to participate in the generation of information that will assist our nation's leaders as they make key policy decisions vital to our national defense."

Rear Admiral Masso is President of Flagship Connection, a defense-sector consulting firm specializing in Cyber, Missile Defense, ISR, Space, Human Systems Integration, and Human Resources programs. He is a highly sought-after speaker specializing in topics in addition to those mentioned above, such as leadership, ethics, and disruptive technologies.

A native of San Clemente, California, Rear Admiral Masso graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1977 and was commissioned an ensign through the NROTC program. A Surface Warfare Officer, his career spanned 32 years in both the active and reserve components of the US Navy. His civilian work included numerous leadership assignments in the Defense Industry in acoustic signal processing, shipboard combat systems, and missile defense programs. Among his civilian assignments, he served as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Research, Development, and Acquisition Chief Engineer (ASN RDA CHENG), and as a program manager in the Missile Defense Agency (Project K). He also managed the Missile Defense business segment for a prominent contractor.

Rear Admiral Masso’s Naval career was marked by nine commands in both the active and reserve components. His entire Flag tenure was served on active duty as Vice Commander, Naval Surface Forces Command, Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training and Educations (OPNAV N1B), and as Commander, Navy Personnel Command/Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel.

Rear Admiral Masso has earned numerous personal decorations, but is most proud of the Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded to the men and women of Navy Command Center 106 for actions during and following the September, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center.