BAE Systems board elects Chertoff chairman

Former Homeland Security secretary joined the board in May 2010.

BAE Systems April 18 announced that former secretary of Homeland Security and current board member Michael Chertoff has been elected chairman of BAE Systems board of directors for a three-year term beginning May 1.

He succeeds retired Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni, whose term as chairman ends this month.

Chertoff was appointed to the board on May 25, 2010.

His experience in the security domain has helped BAE Systems more effectively develop cybersecurity solutions, combat terrorism and organized crime, and strengthen national security for its government and private sector customers, the company’s April 18 announcement said.

Zinni, who has served as chairman since June 26, 2009, has been a board member since November 2000. He will remain as an outside director on the board through April 2014.

BAE Systems Co., of Arlington, Va., ranks No. 17 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.