AMERICAN SYSTEMS, a leading provider of federal IT and engineering solutions, today announced the appointment of Peter Smith as President and CEO effective August 1, 2014. Smith, current COO of AMERICAN SYSTEMS, replaces Bill Hoover who is retiring later this month after serving as President and CEO since June 2005. Hoover will continue in his role as vice chairman of the company's board of directors.
"My tenure as CEO of AMERICAN SYSTEMS has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. AMERICAN SYSTEMS is well-positioned in our market and has an exceptionally strong senior leadership team in place. I feel that it is the right time for me to transition to the next chapter in my life, knowing the company is in such great hands," said Hoover. "I am thrilled that our board selected Peter Smith to succeed me, and I expect a seamless transition."
"For the past nine years, Bill has led AMERICAN SYSTEMS with skill, energy, and exceptional integrity. The company is well-prepared for the next level of growth, due in large part to Bill's vision, accomplishments, leadership, and commitment to excellence," said Donald R. Burklew, chairman of the board. "After considering both external and internal candidates, our board unanimously elected Peter Smith to the CEO role. Peter, whose tenure with our company exceeds 30 years, is well-suited to lead AMERICAN SYSTEMS' strategies and operations in ways that will allow us to effectively address the evolving needs of our customers and our employee-owners."
"Since its founding in 1975, AMERICAN SYSTEMS has a legacy of great leadership. I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the company's next President and CEO," noted Smith. "I have deep respect for the core values that are firmly embedded in the fabric of AMERICAN SYSTEMS. I look forward to building on this solid foundation, further positioning AMERICAN SYSTEMS as the partner of choice supporting national priorities. I am very proud and excited to lead our employee-owners in the next chapter of our growth."
Smith began his AMERICAN SYSTEMS career in August 1980 and has been instrumental in aligning the company's business development and delivery of strategic offerings with customer needs. Smith has held a number of roles with increased responsibility within the company before being promoted to COO in 2010. Since then, he has increased revenue by nearly 50 percent. Smith previously served as Executive Vice President and General Manager; Vice President and Executive Director; Vice President of Engineering; Vice President and Director; Program Manager; and Systems Engineer.
In addition, Smith serves in several industry leadership roles including the TechAmerica Public Sector Board of Directors and is actively involved in the Professional Services Council as well as other industry and community organizations. Smith received a B.S. in Physics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University.
Hoover joined AMERICAN SYSTEMS as CEO in June 2005. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving in the Navy, Hoover enjoyed more than 25 years of industry experience before taking the helm of AMERICAN SYSTEMS. Prior positions held by Hoover include President and COO of Dynamics Research Corporation, President and Chief Executive Officer of FutureNext Consulting (FNC); Senior Vice President of Oracle Service Industries; Executive Vice President of BDM International, Inc.; and President & COO of PRC, Inc.
