Ballard gets back into the contracting game

James Ballard, who helped build Perot Systems’ government business before retiring, has jumped back into the government contracting business.

Ballard has joined 21st Century Systems Inc. as senior vice president and chief of its new Global Services Group.

The company, based in Omaha, Neb., delivers decision support software for complex, high-stress, rapidly changing environments. For example, the company developed a high-resolution situational awareness system that the Marines are using in Iraq.

The new business unit will provide customers with subject-matter experts and professional services in areas such as acquisition and program management, financial management, and engineering and technical support.

Ballard was chief operating officer and then president of Perot Systems Government Services from 2002 to 2007. He helped launch the division when Perot bought ADI Technology Corp., where he had served as COO.

During his time at Perot, the government unit grew from $60 million to $650 million, completed three acquisitions and won more than $2.5 billion in contracts.

Before entering the private sector, Ballard served in the Navy for 24 years, retiring as a captain.