21st Century Partnership announces that Lt. Gen., Retired Charles Stenner Jr. takes the helm as the organization's new president and CEO.

Stenner was selected from 40 candidates, according to a release.

Asked why he believes he is the right man for the job, Stenner said, "I like to think it's because I have in fact, had some opportunities to lead. I've been here since 2003. I chose to move here, to live on the installation back in 2009 as the commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, and I've got strong ties here."

Before retiring from the Air Force in 2012, he was the Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

After retiring, Stenner and his wife chose to stay in Warner Robins.

He begins his work with 21st Century Partnership Aug. 1.

Stenner described his plans, as soon as he officially starts. He said, "To understand the budget, understand exactly where we are and understand from our partner's perspective exactly what I should be doing. So, I would like to take just a little bit of time to understand everybody's perspective and understand exactly where we are in the programming and budgeting process."

The partnership is a coalition of local officials and the Warner Robins business community that lobbies on behalf of Robins Air Force base.