TLDR:
- SAIC CEO Toni Townes-Whitley is driving growth through AI and ethical tech
- Company focuses on “gritty tech” for mission-critical defense/government needs
- Priorities include undersea dominance, border security, and next-gen space tech
- SAIC stock up 30% in Townes-Whitley’s first year as CEO
- As one of two Black women Fortune 500 CEOs, she emphasizes diversity and inclusion
Toni Townes-Whitley, who took over as CEO of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in October 2023, is steering the defense technology company towards a new era of growth centered on artificial intelligence and ethical tech solutions.
In her first year leading the $7.1 billion company, Townes-Whitley has focused on modernizing SAIC’s offerings and expanding its reach in the defense and government sectors.
SAIC specializes in providing technology and resources to the U.S. military and other government agencies.
Under Townes-Whitley’s leadership, the company has embraced what she calls “gritty tech” – practical, mission-critical solutions designed for challenging real-world environments. This includes AI systems that can be used by deployed warfighters in areas without data centers.
“When we think of AI, it has to be the most secure; it has to be low code or no code,”
Townes-Whitley explained. “We’re supporting warfighters deployed where there’s no data center. They’ve got to be able to access and understand this data very quickly.”
The company has identified several key focus areas, which it calls “national imperatives.” These include undersea dominance, border security, improving citizen experiences with government, all-domain warfighting capabilities, and next-generation space technologies.
Townes-Whitley has emphasized the importance of developing AI solutions ethically and responsibly. At SAIC’s 24,000-square-foot testing facility in Maryland, scientists are working to find ways AI can enhance security and technology while maintaining public trust.
“We built the first ethical framework for AI at Microsoft, and now at SAIC, we have the same kinds of frameworks about how we think about the consequences of the technology we’re building,” Townes-Whitley said.
The new CEO’s strategy appears to be paying off. SAIC’s stock price has risen about 30% during her first year at the helm. The company has also secured significant new contracts, including a $229 million deal to advance IT solutions for NORAD and U.S. Northern Command.
Townes-Whitley’s background combines tech industry experience from her time as an executive at Microsoft with a family history of public service.
Her father is a retired three-star Army general. This blend of tech expertise and understanding of military needs has helped shape her vision for SAIC.
Beyond technology, Townes-Whitley has focused on fostering an inclusive culture at SAIC. As one of only two Black women currently leading Fortune 500 companies, she has made diversity and inclusion a priority. Her executive leadership team is 70% female or people of color.
“It is customer aligned, it is part of our core values, and it actually has been part of our mission statements over the last 55 years,” Townes-Whitley said of SAIC’s commitment to diversity.
The CEO is also investing in workforce development, recognizing that many of the skills needed for SAIC’s future growth will need to be developed internally. The company is working to upskill its 25,000 employees in critical areas.
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