Accenture Federal Services names former NSA official Hal Smith to lead federal intelligence practice

Harold “Hal” Smith, a former associate deputy director at the National Security Agency (NSA) and a seasoned intelligence and defense executive, has joined Arlington, VA-based Accenture Federal Services (AFS) as a managing director to lead its intelligence practice, the company announced October 10.

Smith brings a unique combination of government and commercial intelligence experience. In addition to his role at the NSA, he has held intelligence, security and technology roles at a number of public companies, where he developed or led large-scale practices and has served on several intelligence community senior advisory boards.

“Hal has a deep understanding of the federal intelligence community and its unique technology and business needs,” said Matthew Tait, senior managing director of Accenture Federal Services’ defense and intelligence sector. “He is well positioned to lead our intelligence practice in helping agencies mature their digital supply chain to enhance intelligence, readiness, security and efficiency. Hal will solve our client’s toughest problems by bringing the best of AFS’ expertise and thought leadership.”

A graduate of the University of Maryland, Smith is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a former member of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance Board of Advisors and the Network Reliability and Interoperability Council.

Smith is AFS’ second recent hire of experienced former government executives; AFS also hired Gus Hunt, former chief technology officer for the CIA, to lead its cybersecurity practice. Smith’s hiring also helps build on positive momentum from several recent national security-based contract wins for AFS.

Source: Accenture Federal Services