SAIC picks new chief operating officer

Lawrence Prior III will become the new chief operating officer at Science Applications International Corp. on Oct. 1. Prior currently serves as president of the company's Intelligence, Security and Technology Group.

The company chose Prior to ascend to the COO position because he "has the broad background of business success needed for the job, and the enormous head start afforded by his knowledge of our culture and his leadership of our largest group," said Ken Dahlberg, the company's chairman and chief executive officer. "Larry knows how to help SAIC succeed."

Prior came to SAIC in 2004 with an extensive background in federal contracting companies. Immediately before joining the San Diego-based company, he served as chief financial officer for LightPointe Communications. Earlier he had been president and COO for another San Diego firm, High Technology Solutions. He also worked in government as chief administrative officer for San Diego County.

"I share the passion and commitment our group presidents and general managers have to provide the mission-critical science, engineering and operational acumen so essential to solving the great challenges of the future," Prior said.

SAIC ranks No. 5 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.