The Patuxent Partnership in Lexington Park Maryland has appointed Caitlin Vallandingham as its new Finance Director effective March 17 2026. The nonprofit organization announced the hire in a press release the same day highlighting her extensive background in defense acquisition and innovation.
Vallandingham assumes responsibility for directing and managing TPP’s financial operations. Her duties include grant management project accounting leading the annual audit process implementing business policies and accounting practices maintaining internal controls and financial procedures and overseeing all fund usage. She also gains oversight of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act program under which TPP since 1999 details its expert employees to government agencies for senior management and subject matter expert roles.
With more than 25 years of experience Vallandingham has driven mission-critical outcomes in research and development technology transition and major defense acquisition programs. Her expertise bridges strategy design and delivery enabling organizations to advance actionable solutions that secure funding build prototypes and achieve adoption. Immediately before joining TPP she served 12 years as Director of Strategic Engagement and Innovation at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division NAWCAD at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Vallandingham holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She describes her personal motto as “Every interaction is an opportunity” reflecting her approach to professional and community engagement.
The Patuxent Partnership a nonprofit member organization collaborates with government industry and academia to advance education through STEM initiatives support workforce development and foster programs aligned with NAVAIR and broader Department of Defense needs. It promotes sustainable economic vitality and quality of life in Southern Maryland through partnerships education efforts and professional development. TPP manages the Southern Maryland 2030 Workforce initiative focusing on STEM pipelines paid internships apprenticeships and career opportunities in partnership with St. Mary’s College of Maryland, College of Southern Maryland, local public schools, NAWCAD and industry members. It participates in programs like TechJobsRule for high school apprenticeships at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center.
The hire strengthens TPP’s financial leadership amid its ongoing work to connect talent with defense and technology opportunities in St. Mary’s County and surrounding areas. Vallandingham’s deep ties to NAWCAD and Patuxent River bring direct relevance to Southern Maryland’s economy which relies heavily on naval aviation activities. Her role supports TPP’s mission to build regional workforce capacity through education and collaboration ensuring resources align with mission priorities.
Vallandingham a lifelong St. Mary’s County resident expresses passions for being a sideline super-fan at her children’s sports events boating and waterfront living maintaining an extensive plant collection and enjoying Key West getaways. Her appointment aligns with TPP’s emphasis on local expertise to drive organizational growth and community impact.