PRESS RELEASE – Former Commander of US and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan will advise the government relations firm on public affairs issues

ADS Ventures, a government relations, business development and strategic communications firm based in Boston today announced that Four-Star General David McKiernan (US Army, Ret.), former commander of all U.S. and International Security Assistance forces in Afghanistan, has joined the firm as a Senior Policy Advisor. General McKiernan will work with existing and future ADS Ventures clients to enhance their understanding of defense requirements and provide counsel on legislative and policy priorities.

ADS Ventures (ADS) is a government relations, business development and strategic communications firm that provides consulting services to a range of corporate and non-profit clients, including organizations in the Soldier personal equipment and protection industry, educational institutions, scientific research organizations, and companies investing in groundbreaking energy and transportation efforts. ADS helps its clients understand how policy decisions impact their business and forms critical partnerships with key policymakers at the state and federal levels to create opportunities for growth.

General McKiernan completed 37 years of military service in August 2009, following his tenure as Commander of all American and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan. Prior to holding that position, General McKiernan served as Commander of the US 3rd Army and the Coalition Forces Land Component Command, consisting of 160,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that attacked into Iraq and removed Saddam Hussein from power. He has also served as Commander of all US Army forces in Europe (2005-2008) where he led all US Army engagements and activities in Europe, Russia and Africa. Prior to this role, he was the Deputy Commander of US Forces Command where he was responsible for all continental US Army forces. He also served as the Army G3 in Washington, DC, and as the Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX.

Gen. McKiernan received his ROTC commission in 1972, and his operational experiences spanned from platoon to large joint and multinational formations, interagency and international political-military coordination, including personal interaction with two Presidents, Members of Congress, senior Administration officials, and foreign heads of state.

“General McKiernan represents all the best qualities of a public servant. We are honored by his decision to join the ADS team,” said Chet Atkins, founding partner of ADS Ventures. “We have tremendous respect for his years of leadership and for the genuine concern he has shown those under his command during their time in uniform and during their transition back into civilian life. For a decade, ADS has represented organizations that work to improve education, advance scientific innovation and enhance the greater good both in the U.S. and abroad. I am confident that General McKiernan’s expertise will be an invaluable resource as we work to advance our clients’ goals.”

“Throughout my career as a Soldier, I have always strived to be a leader focused on mission accomplishment and taking care of our Nation’s most precious resource – its men and women serving in uniform,” said General McKiernan. “My work with ADS Ventures will allow me to continue this effort by counseling organizations dedicated to developing and procuring vital gear for those who serve our country as well as for those striving to increase scientific research and educational opportunities. I very much look forward to working with ADS Ventures’ unique set of clients and applying my experience to businesses and non-profit organizations that are committed to quality and innovation.”

“Over the last 10 years, ADS Ventures has partnered with some of the most innovative companies in the United States to grow their capabilities to meet the changing needs of those who serve our country,” said ADS Ventures Managing Director, David Costello. “In the General’s long and distinguished career as a Soldier’s Soldier, he has advised Presidents, Members of Congress, senior diplomats and foreign leaders on strategic, diplomatic and agency specific issues. Now, he will provide unparalleled advice and expertise to ADS Ventures’ clients on issues that are of great concern to him, including the ongoing effort to best outfit and protect our Soldiers. We are very much looking forward to working closely with General McKiernan to help further advance this good work.”