It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of our former President & CEO, Rear Admiral William G. "Woody" Sutton, USN (Ret.), following a brave battle with ALS.
Woody served ELFA from 2010 to 2015 with steadfast dedication and integrity, leaving a lasting mark on both our industry and the many members and colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Prior to leading ELFA, Woody devoted 33 years of distinguished service to the U.S. Navy. His military career included serving as naval aide to President Ronald Reagan—where, as a young officer, he was entrusted with carrying the "football" containing the nuclear codes—and culminating in his command of Naval Base Pearl Harbor. He went on to serve as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services under President George W. Bush, and later as President of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.
Even throughout his illness, Woody demonstrated the quiet strength and grace that defined his life. As he shared late last year, "You can't always choose your battles, but you can always choose your bearing."
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, Claudia, and the entire Sutton family during this time.
