Capt. C. Andrew McCawley, USN (Ret) graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in 1980 and went on to earn a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering. Following more than 27 years of active service, he retired from the Navy in 2007 after serving as the commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).

After his retirement and a number of years working in the aerospace and defense industries, he holds the position of president and CEO of the New England Center and Home for Veterans.