TASC hires DHS biodefense expert

Company bolsters expertise in the areas of chemical and biological weapons.

Robert Hooks, a former deputy assistant secretary at the Homeland Security Department, has joined TASC Inc. to run its biodefense division.

As director of CBRNE [chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives] technology, Hooks will be responsible for technology programs, staff development and strategy related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives threats at TASC.

He’ll report to Bruce Phillips, vice president of infrastructure protection and security.

As a deputy assistant secretary at DHS, Hooks was responsible for early detection programs including BioWatch, the National Biosurveillance Intregration Center and biological threat mitigation efforts.

He served 20 years in the Navy is a graduate of Cornell University with a masters degree from Johns Hopkins University.