John Steckel to Lead American Systems as CEO

Chantilly, Virginia-based American Systems has promoted John Steckel, vice president of corporate development, to serve as president and CEO beginning on Sept. 6. Steckel, a 4×24 member, will succeed the retiring Peter Smith, who has led the company since 2014 and is expected to remain on the board of directors.

Smith, also a 4×24 member, said he anticipates the transition to be seamless.

According to Steckel, his goal is to advance American Systems as a favored employer and contractor for national priority programs.

As VP of corporate development, Steckel is responsible for managing legislative affairs and mergers and acquisitions. In an interview with ExecutiveBiz, he explained that he aims to promote organic and inorganic growth by finding companies with complementary engineering and information technology services.

He joined American Systems in 2018 as VP of business development.

Steckel previously held similar leadership roles at Vencore, Raytheon Technologies and BAE Systems. Earlier, he was part of the U.S. Navy, most recently serving as a naval flight officer.

Steckel serves as a blue and gold officer for the U.S. Naval Academy Admissions Office. He is also a member of the Professional Services Council and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Systems said.