Peter Smith, chief operating officer at American Systems, has been appointed president and CEO of the employee-owned company and will succeed the retiring chief executive Bill Hoover.
Smith, a 33-year company veteran will assume his new role on August 1 and Hoover will continue to serve as vice chairman of the board of directors, American Systems said Tuesday.
Donald Burklew, chairman of the board, said it was a unanimous decision by the board to select Smith.
Burklew said he expects Smith to lead the company “in ways that will allow us to effectively address the evolving needs of our customers and our employee-owners.â€
Smith, who joined American Systems in 1980, has led projects to align the company’s business strategies and products with client requirements through previous leadership roles.
He holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from George Washington University, and sits on the board of TechAmerica Public Sector.
Hoover, who has led the company for nine years, was selected by Executive Mosaic’s staff in November to the Wash100, a group of executive leaders recognized for vision and achievement in the public and private sectors.
The retired Navy officer joined American Systems after service as president and COO at Dynamics Research Corp.
He is also a founder several consulting firms that worked with mid-tier companies in transition.
“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, †he added.
