Nazzic Keene Takes Over as SAIC CEO

Longtime Science Applications International Corp. chief executive Tony Moraco is retiring from his role effective July 31 and will be replaced by Nazzic Keene, who currently serves as the chief operating officer, the company announced.

Keene, a respected IT industry leader with over 30 years’ of diversified experience in the information systems and technology services industries, joined SAIC in 2012. Throughout the years, she rose through the company’s ranks to lead its daily operations as COO and to oversee the merger and integration of Engility, which became a wholly owned subsidiary of SAIC on Jan. 14, 2019.

Keene previously served as president of SAIC’s Global Markets & Mission sector and as senior vice president for Corporate Strategy and Planning, where she was instrumental in the spinoff of SAIC in 2013.

Moraco, who joined SAIC in 2006 and served as CEO since 2013, praised Keene for her track record leading SAIC’s operations, building teams and growing business.

“Nazzic is the best person to take the helm, accelerate SAIC’s mission-focused strategy, and continue to deliver outstanding value for our customers, employees, and shareholders,” he said.

Keene expressed excitement about the opportunities that come with SAIC’s realizing more successes.

“Working with SAIC’s incredible leadership team and deep bench of exceptional talent, we are well-positioned to lead the way in integrated technology solutions, own the markets we choose to serve, and make a meaningful difference for all who depend on us,” she said.

In announcing the transition, SAIC Board Chair Donna Morea thanked Moraco for choosing and grooming “a highly-respected, highly-qualified successor.”

“Nazzic has a deep understanding and proven mastery of how technology can be applied to further the critical missions of our government and a clear strategic vision for SAIC’s growth and future success,” Morea said.

Commenting on the news, Mark HuYoung, managing partner at NorthWind Partners, said:

“I don’t think anyone is surprised to hear Nazzic announced as the next CEO of SAIC. Tony and the board have been very thoughtful and intentional regarding the succession plan. Nazzic has been a well-regarded, high-impact executive across the GovCon tech space for many years and was an instrumental player in helping define SAIC’s go-to-market strategy post-split. In addition, she has done a fantastic job leading the daily operations of the company as well as the integration of Engility. With savvy and a depth of experience across operations, integration, strategy, customer relationships, programs, and growth, SAIC could not have selected a better CEO. I’m excited for Nazzic and the company and wish Tony well as he transitions to the next season of life.”

Related: 

Nazzic Keene Takes On Additional Role as SAIC COO

2019’s Top 25 Execs to Watch: Tony Moraco, SAIC

Donna Morea First WashingtonExec Pinnacle Awards Hall of Fame Recipient