Keith Webster

President, Defense and Aerospace Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
President, Federal Acquisition Council, Cyber, Space and National Security Policy Division, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Keith Webster is president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Defense and Aerospace Council (DAC) and the Federal Acquisition Council (FAC) and vice president at the Chamber. He is an acquisition certified official and brings to the Chamber 32 years of experience leading international policy formulation and implementation. He is responsible for guiding the focus of DAC to strengthen U.S. defense and aerospace industries by influencing both domestic and international policy on behalf of its members.

Webster leads the Chamber’s efforts to increase advocacy and analytic work; promote DAC and FAC matters of interest to government entities, Congress, and the broader business community; and work cross-functionally with various departments at the Chamber to engage foreign and U.S. government officials to advance each council’s agenda.

Before joining the Chamber, Webster served the Department of Defense with distinction. He was director of International Cooperation from 2012 to 2017 and has years of expertise in foreign sales of military equipment and services, international agreements, international scientific cooperation, and technology security foreign disclosure processes.

Webster was awarded the rank of Officer in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in May 2019, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 2017, and the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award in 2015.He was knighted in 2012 by the Ambassador of France to the United States.

He received his M.A. in international relations from Catholic University in 2001 and his B.S. in business finance (cum laude) from Towson State University in 1984. Webster was the CEO of HENSOLDT Inc. USA, a former member of the board of directors of HENSOLDT Inc., and is a member of the strategic advisory boards of Mercure Global LLC and Lone Star Analysis.

Authored Content

Sep 15, 2021
This is conducted under Chatham House Rule and not for attribution. Names and affiliations here are for the sake of context and for internal use only. Industrial Policy: An email will go out from industrial policy requesting info on your upcoming events. They are working with A&S to work on a request from the secretaries’ office to develop an industry engagement plan. They want to be aware of upcoming opportunities; we will share this email with you when we receive it. Read more
Sep 14, 2021
OMB Call September 14th 2021, regarding EO for vaccines—"Path out of Pandemic Plan” Guidance for Federal Contractors: Read more
Sep 13, 2021
On Wednesday, September 22, Keith Webster, President of DAEC, will participate in the Joint Chief of Staff's Industry Day at the Smart Center at Joint Base Andrews. The Vice Chairman has announced an Industry Day to discuss the Joint Force’s work on the Joint Warfighting Concept and in the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). It will consist of briefings by senior Joint Staff leaders, and be held at the SECRET//NOFORN level. Gen Hyten plans to deliver opening remarks and take questions. Read more
Sep 13, 2021
On Wenesday, October 27 at 3:00PM EST, Keith Webster, President of the Defense and Aerospace Export Council (DAEC) will participate in Defense Security Cooperation University's (DSCU) Intermediate Managing Major International Acquisition Competitions (MIAC) course as a guest speaker. Additional information on the MIAC course can be found here. Read more
Sep 13, 2021
The DoD released Force Health Protection Guidance on Supplement 23 (hyperlinked below) which will impact your contractor employees working in DoD facilities as soon as next week. Specifically, in accordance with the White House Safer Federal Workforce Task Force directed safety measures, attestation of an individual’s status as fully vaccinated, or presentation of a recent negative COVID-19 test will be a condition of physical access to DoD facilities. Components are required to publish any necessary supplemental instructions and begin im Read more
Aug 23, 2021
August 18, 2021 OSD COVID Conference Call with Chamber and Associations: This is conducted under Chatham House Rule and not for attribution. Names and affiliations here are for the sake of context and for internal use only Small Business Programs, Industrial Policy: Read more
Jul 27, 2021
Letter to the DEAC members announcing the departure of the Honorable Heidi Shyu. Read more
Jul 22, 2021
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has issued the following news release today: Read more
Jul 21, 2021
2021 Investment Climate Statements Released Press Releases for U.S. Department of State: Read more
Jul 21, 2021
OSD Overview: Director for Industry engagement kicked off the meeting today. OSD Small Business Director update on the advisory from NSA and FBI related to concerns USG has with China and their cyber activity. Earlier in the week the U.S. Read more