Former SPAWAR Deputy Commander Roderick F. Smith Joins McKean Defense as Chief Technology Officer

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- McKean Defense Group, LLC announced today that Rod Smith, former Deputy Commander and Executive Director of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) has been appointed as the Company's first Chief Technology Officer.

In his new role, Mr. Smith will be responsible for implementing a company strategy to increase the application of McKean Defense's technology solutions with current and strategic customers. Specifically, Mr. Smith is part of the company's focus on increased support to Combat Systems programs, and on growing market presence in SPAWAR. Mr. Smith will report directly to Mr. Joseph Carlini, Chief Executive Officer. 

"As an employee owned company, it is imperative that we continually invest in both our company and our strategic growth," said Mr. Carlini. "Rod was a perfect candidate for this new role given his Naval Engineering Duty Officer background, his prior Government service at the pinnacle of major US Navy technology advancements, and his understanding of industry."

Mr. Smith was appointed Deputy Commander of SPAWAR in July 2005.  He directed all SPAWARSYSCOM operations, and worked closely with SPAWAR-supported PEOs to ensure seamless support to their major acquisition program and technical projects. Mr. Smith was responsible for approximately $5B in the Navy's appropriated programs, $5B in Working Capital reimbursable funds, and approximately 9,000 employees. This followed his selection in 2003 as the SPAWAR Systems Center San Diego Executive Director.  Mr. Smith was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in July 1997. After his Government service, Mr. Smith served in industry as a Corporate Operations Officer and Vice President for Strategic Development in San Diego.

Additional Information: 
McKean Defense is an employee-owned Naval Life Cycle Management, Engineering, Enterprise Transformation, and Program Management business headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. McKean Defense's engineers, developers, technical staff, programmers, analysts, and program managers identify and deploy new shipboard technologies, integrate information technology across shipboard platforms, and develop strategies to support the Warfighter. McKean Defense's employees create strategic solutions to help customers reach new levels of mission support and transform their organizations. 

SOURCE McKean Defense Group, LLC