Long-time SAIC exec set to retire

Science Applications International Corp. Executive Vice President Arnold Punaro will retire effective May 14, the company announced.

Punaro, who joined SAIC in March 1997, is the senior corporate official responsible for SAIC’s government affairs, worldwide communications, real estate and support operations.

He also has served simultaneously as general manager of operations in Washington, D.C., with more than 17,500 employees in this region.

Punaro said in the announcement that he will start a strategic consulting business, complete a book on national security decision-making and take on government-related projects. “I intend to enter in full voice the debate over how to best use our inevitably declining resources to deal with an increasingly dangerous world,” he said.

CEO Walt Havenstein said Punaro would continue as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition of his duties.

“He has made a tremendous contribution to SAIC over his 14 years with unmatched knowledge of Washington and a singular ability to drive projects through to successful completion,” Havenstein said.

SAIC, of Falls Church, Va., ranks No. 7 on Washington Technology’s 2009 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.