Former DHS chief joins defense contractor board

Former secretary of the Homeland Security Department Michael Chertoff has joined the board of directors of BAE Systems Inc.

Former secretary of the Homeland Security Department Michael Chertoff has joined the board of directors of BAE Systems Inc.

“As a member of the board, Chertoff will provide oversight and strategic counsel, further ensuring that BAE Systems is well positioned to meet current and future customer requirements in the defense and security markets,” according to a company announcement released today.

Chertoff served as DHS secretary from 2005 to 2009 and led efforts to advance cybersecurity and prevent would-be terrorists from crossing U.S. borders by working closely with global allies.

Previously, he served as a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. From 1979 to 1980, he served as a clerk to Supreme Court Justice William Brennan Jr.

The BAE board includes retired Marine Corps Gen. Tony Zinni, who serves as chairman of the board, and Lee Hamilton, a former member of Congress who was co-chairman of the 9/11 Commission.

BAE Systems, of Rockville, Md., ranks No. 14 on Washington Technology’s 2009 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.