Sotera Announces CEO Transition

HERNDON, Va., May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sotera Defense Solutions, a provider of mission-critical, technology-based systems, solutions and services for national security agencies and programs of the U.S. government, announced today that John Hillen will leave his position as Chief Executive Officer to serve in a new role as Vice Chairman of Sotera's Advisory Board.  Dr. Hillen will continue to be involved in the strategic management of Sotera in this capacity and will represent Sotera's interests within key industry organizations, including his current term as the Chairman of the Professional Services Council.

Sotera's Board of Directors has begun the search for a new CEO who will be responsible for executing Sotera's business plan and taking the company to the next level of growth.

In the interim, Sotera will be led by William Cave and Laurie Villano as Interim Co-CEOs, who will also continue oversight of the Defense & Intelligence Solutions and Cyber Systems & Solutions lines of business, respectively.  Mr. Cave and Ms. Villano will be supported by Sotera's Executive Leadership team, which includes Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Felix, Executive Vice President, Business Development and Operations Kirk Herdman, and Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development Ron Jones. This team will continue to focus on executing the company's strategic vision and growth initiatives.

"John's leadership over the last five years has been vital in building Sotera into a mission-focused, national security technology company capable of meeting our customers' most challenging operational needs," commented Matt Cwiertnia, Chairman of the Board, Sotera Defense Solutions.  "We are grateful for the experience, wisdom, and vast knowledge of the market he has brought to Sotera as our CEO, and I am pleased that the company will continue to benefit from his insight through his role on our Advisory Board."

Dr. Hillen joined Sotera in 2008 and led it to become one of the leading mid-tier national security technology brands in the industry. In 2009, he led the organization through an initial public offering as Global Defense Technology & Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: GTEC) and its subsequent purchase by an affiliate of Ares Management in April 2011. Under his tenure, Dr. Hillen also facilitated the company's growth through four strategic acquisitions in 2010 and 2011, doubling the number of employees.  

About Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc.
Sotera Defense Solutions, Inc. (Sotera) is an agile, mid-tier national security technology company that delivers innovative systems, solutions and services in support of the critical missions of the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and federal law enforcement agencies charged with ensuring the safety and security of our nation. Sotera provides essential counterterrorism, cyber operations, intelligence, data analytics, C4ISR and force mobility solutions to our customers throughout the national security community.  Learn more about Sotera at www.soteradefense.com. 

SOURCE Sotera Defense Solutions