CHESAPEAKE, VA, September 29, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Darrell J. Cannella has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Currently serving as the East Coast program manager for KITCO Fiber Optics Inc. in Norfolk, Virginia, Mr. Cannella has established himself as a prominent figure in program management and operations. In this capacity, he manages all field service operations, estimates project costs, ensures accurate travel arrangements and oversees business development initiatives along the East Coast. He is also responsible for supervising programs related to field service and business development, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to technical support with a focus on defense contracts.

Prior to joining KITCO Fiber Optics, Mr. Cannella was an operations manager and workforce development specialist at Quality, Experience, and Dependability (QED) Systems Inc. — a leading maritime engineering and industrial operations entity — in 2022. During his tenure, he contributed to executing departmental or program strategic plans and goals. Lead proposal efforts and identify new business development initiatives, further refining his expertise in team management and organizational efficiency.

From 2018 to 2021, Mr. Cannella held the positions of downriver production manager and project manager at Fairlead Boatworks, where he oversaw maintenance, fabrication, modifications, and upgrade efforts on United States Navy and Military Sealift Command naval vessels. His leadership proved pivotal in meeting tight deadlines and maintaining a cost-efficient financial budget.

Mr. Cannella's professional journey is deeply rooted in his extensive military service with the United States Navy, which spanned more than two decades. His final assignment was as Code 910's departmental chief petty officer as well as Command Training's leading chief petty officer at the rank of senior chief petty officer (E-8) at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center in Norfolk, Virginia from 2015 to 2017. In this leadership role, he was responsible for eight production shops and 148 direct reports, including overseeing training and mentoring more than 1,400 military personnel.

Mr. Cannella was assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2015. He worked as the command's staff integrator's assistant and deputy director of the renowned NAS Air Show attended by tens of thousands of guests annually.

From 2014 to 2015, Mr. Cannella was the leading chief petty officer at Naval Station Norfolk, where he managed more than 25 personnel in the operation and maintenance of the U.S. Navy's largest magnetic silencing facility at Lambert's Point Deperming Station. His earlier assignments included operations department leading chief petty officer aboard the USS Ross (DDG-71) from 2013 to 2014 and the USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) from 2012 to 2013. He also served as a production supervisor and divisional leading chief petty officer at Norfolk Naval Shipyard from 2011 to 2012 and was the divisional leading chief petty officer on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) from 2009 to 2011.

Also, an instructor and craftmaster at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Mr. Cannella played a pivotal role in shaping the maritime skills of more than 4,000 future naval officers. His leadership extended to the USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44) at JEB Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Virginia, from 2003 to 2006, where he was promoted to the rank of chief petty officer and was assigned as a divisional leading chief petty officer. Mr. Cannella was a U.S. Navy recruiter in Syracuse, New York, from 2000 to 2003. He was assigned to the USS Supply (AOE-6) in Colts Neck, New Jersey from 1997 to 2000.

He was designated the rating of boatswain's mate onboard the USS Arkansas (CGN-41) from 1996 to 1997 and received his recruit training at Great Lakes, Illinois, from 1995 to 1996, where he gained valuable foundational experience in maintenance operations, navigational watches and firefighting knowledge.

In honor of his exemplary service over two decades in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Cannella was recognized through numerous accolades including multiple commendation medals, achievement medals, and four Gold Wreath awards for excellence in recruitment.

Furthering his impact through involvement with industry-related organizations, Mr. Cannella is a member of the Navy League of the United States Hampton Roads Chapter, the Propeller Club Port of Norfolk, the Virginia Maritime Association and the Newport News Propeller Club. He has maintained membership with the Virginia Ship Repair Association since 2018. In his personal time, he has been a longtime supporter since 2014 and participates in off-road associations such as the United Four-Wheel Drive Associations and the Middle Peninsula Jeep Association, of which he was president from 2015 to 2016. Additionally, he was affiliated with the BlueBibbon Coalition — which advocates for the responsible usage of public lands and waters — from 2020 to 2023.

Much of Mr. Cannella's maritime success and leadership expertise stems from his equally impressive academic background. He returning to school to pursue higher education at age 42 — which stands out as a significant personal milestone for him — he earned a Bachelor of Science in management studies from the University of Maryland University College in 2018. He also holds an associate degree in management and electromechanical technology from Coastline College, which he was awarded in 2008.

To augment his knowledge and qualifications, Mr. Cannella is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt by Old Dominion University and holds a certificate in Electrical-Mechanical Drafting as well as Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD/CADD) from the State University of New York at Delhi College of Technology located in Delhi, New York. (now SUNY Delhi). Along with his education, he attributes his professional success to effective communication skills that foster trust among his team members and clients. He consistently aims to be approachable and transparent in equal measure — qualities that have been pivotal in developing his leadership style.

Civic engagement is another hallmark of Mr. Cannella's life. Since 2014, he has volunteered with Adopt-A-Highway Litter Removal Service of America, contributing to environmental stewardship efforts within his community. He also supports Edmarc, Inc., which provides home health and hospice for children with life-threatening illnesses. Mr. Cannella helps to provide turkey, ham, and food donations at Thanksgiving time to Edmarc families in need every year—and volunteered with Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore between 2015 and 2017.

Happily married and a dedicated family man, Mr. Cannella enjoys going to the beach with his wife, staying active and planning weekend getaways. Having served his country and community for many years through outstanding contributions, he is prioritizing more time with family as a balance to his professional endeavors. At KITCO Fiber Optics, he remains focused on driving profitability through strategic business development initiatives that support sustainable growth for the company and its workforce.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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