William McCormick
Science Applications International Corp. has formed a strategic advisory board consisting of former Department of Defense leaders and notable Wash100 Award recipients David Norquist, Ellen Lord and Dana Deasy who will contribute their expertise from both private and public sectors to provide advice and guidance in support of company-wide growth and innovation.
SAIC said Tuesday Norquist, former DOD deputy secretary and comptroller; Lord, former undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment; and Deasy, former chief information officer at the Pentagon, are the first three advisory board members.
The strategic advisory board will advise company decision-makers on customer priorities, acquisition policy, potential disruptions in the environment, along with new growth areas.
“We are thrilled to have the support of this team of experts to assist SAIC as we continue to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of our clients,” said Nazzic Keene, CEO of SAIC and a 2021 Wash100 Award recipient.
“These leaders bring years of experience in both industry and the federal government, particularly the Department of Defense, where they focused on strategy, research and development, as well as acquisition. I am confident that they will challenge our thinking in new ways as we continue to strive to be the technology integrator of choice for our government customers,” added Keene.
“I am happy to help SAIC unlock its vast potential, especially with regard to how the company relates to its federal customers,” said Deasy, a two-time Wash100 Awardee.
The new board members also bring private industry experience. Norquist worked as a partner with Kearney & Company, Lord served as president and CEO of Textron Systems and Deasy was JPMorgan Chase’s CIO.
“Having served in the Pentagon, I know the value that a company like SAIC can bring to solving national security challenges. I am enthusiastic to see how SAIC can leverage technologies like digital engineering and artificial intelligence in addressing those challenges,” stated Norquist, a Wash100 Award inductee.
Norquist, Lord and Deasy will form the core of the strategic advisory board. SAIC may invite other industry leaders with experience in different sectors, such as health care and energy.
Lord, a four-time Wash100 Award recipient, added, “SAIC is committed to working with the government to solve the tough problems confronting our nation. I am excited to contribute to that effort as part of this advisory board.”
