Charles McQueary
Charles McQueary, Ph.D., is the first Under Secretary for Science and Technology within the Department of Homeland Security. McQueary "must identify and develop technologies to fight terrorism and manage the millions of dollars tapped for research and development (R&D)."[1]
"Challenge is nothing new for McQueary, a retired defense industry executive who cut his teeth in the telecommunications world and led efforts to lay thousands of miles of fiber-optic cables for both military and commercial use as a director for Bell Labs.
"For many years, it was highly classified work in difficult-to-accomplish programs. But now people use fiber optics in everyday life, and the Defense Department uses it as an integral part of its communications network, he said.
"In 1997, McQueary became president of General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems. He thought it would be his last job, but then Sept. 11 spurred the urgency to throw up a protective screen around the United States. Since then, he has been tapped to harness the nation's know-how and encourage R&D."[2]
"Dr. McQueary's extensive background in defense systems and his involvement with the National Security Industrial Association and the defense preparedness community gives him a familiarity with security issues and technologies, as well as a network of established relationships that have a direct bearing on his new responsibilities in homeland security. A distinguished engineer with outstanding managerial experience, Dr. McQueary has spent a career in leadership posts with AT&T Bell Laboratories, AT&T Lucent Technologies, and most recently as President for General Dynamics Advanced Technology Systems before his recent retirement. He holds a Ph.D in Engineering Mechanics, an M.S. and a B.S in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin."
Source: Endorsement, February 12, 2003 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
