Hempstead’s Owen Watford of Hempstead has been named executive director of the Long Island Council of the Navy League, taking on a leadership role with the organization as it works to strengthen connections among the nation’s sea services, Long Island communities and the region’s defense and maritime industries.
“My role is to lead the day-to-day operations of the Council and ensure its mission is effectively executed,” Watford said, who will serve as a link between the Navy League’s national goals and the needs of the Long Island community.
His responsibilities include strategic leadership, program development, membership and corporate relations, event management, advocacy and public engagement, as well as workforce and industry development.
The Long Island Navy League Council is a long-standing, mission-driven organization that strengthens ties between the U.S. Sea services and the Long Island community. Formed in 1948, it has grown into a network of corporate members, former military personnel, and civilians committed to supporting America’s Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Watford will also work closely with Council President Walter Poggi and Vice President Michael Griffin to align strategic priorities, resources and operational goals.
For Watford the organization’s mission extends beyond supporting the military.
“I believe supporting the Long Island Navy League Council means investing in the safety, prosperity and future of Long Island by strengthening our military ties, honoring veterans, inspiring youth, and ensuring our region remains a key player in national maritime security,” he said.
Watford added that the organization provides an opportunity for Long Islanders to contribute to both their local communities and the nation.
The council supports veterans through programs including “Boots to Shoes,” which helps former service members transition to civilian life. Programs include resume-writing workshops and financial education intended to help veterans navigate employment and housing challenges.
The council also supports the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, a youth development program sponsored by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.
Engaging younger generations will remain an important challenge and opportunity for the organization.
Poggi, who recently became president of the Council, has said the organization and other volunteer groups face difficulties recruiting younger members. Many Navy League members are between 50 and 80 years old, he said.
That concern is shared by Watford, whose role includes helping develop programs and relationships that can strengthen the organization’s future.
The council hopes to connect younger Long Islanders with meaningful opportunities to serve their communities while learning about the importance of the nation’s maritime services and defense industries.
“If you see an organization that is providing meaningful services to the community, you tend to get involved in it,” Poggi said
A longtime Navy League member and Ronkonkoma resident, Poggi brings military and business experience to his role as president. He served for 10 years in the New York National Guard infantry, leaving as a staff sergeant, and founded American Council of Independent Laboratories, an engineering services business involved in testing technology and products for aerospace and other industries.
But as Watford assumes responsibility for the council’s daily operations, his focus will be on helping translate the organization’s mission into programs and partnerships that benefit Long Island.
The Navy League’s Long Island Council offers opportunities for civilians, veterans, corporate members and others interested in supporting the sea services and their role in national security.
“We try to embrace anybody who shows any interest right away to get them involved,” Poggi said.
Watford said participation in the Navy League is an investment in Long Island’s future, providing opportunities to honor veterans, inspire young people and maintain the region’s longstanding connection to national defense and maritime security.
For more information about the Long Island Council of the Navy League or how to join, got to LongIslandNavyLeague.org.
