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SAIC Executive Hilary Hageman Discusses Career, Ethics, and Emerging Technologies in GovCon Industry
SAIC Executive Hilary Hageman’s Journey from Witnessing Political Instability to Leading Legal Teams
Hilary Hageman, the executive vice president, general counsel, corporate secretary, and board member at SAIC, has had a remarkable journey that has shaped her career in the government contracting industry. Growing up in Southeast Asia and Africa, Hageman witnessed firsthand the political instability that threatened her family’s safety in various countries. This experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for the safety provided by the U.S. military to Americans living overseas.
Inspired by her Peace Corps-serving father and Army veteran grandparents, Hageman pursued a career in law and eventually found herself working as a lawyer for the Department of Defense. Her job required her to become highly conversant in government contracts, national security, and technology law. However, her career took a significant turn after the 9/11 attacks, leading her to work in the private sector for a leading government contractor.
At SAIC, Hageman found her dream job, leading a diverse team of legal, compliance, ethics, and audit professionals. She returned to SAIC in 2022 after previously serving as the general counsel at Cubic and a small satellite company. Hageman’s expertise in space law, government contracts, and technology has been instrumental in her role at SAIC, where she continues to drive the company’s growth and success.
In a recent interview with GovCon Wire, Hageman shared valuable insights on what makes a good general counsel and how to navigate the evolving landscape of emerging technologies in the GovCon market. She emphasized the importance of integrating ethics, compliance, and risk management into strategic decision-making processes, especially in areas like AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and autonomous tech.
Hageman’s passion for space technologies has also been a driving force in her career, with a deep interest in the legal and regulatory complexities of the space industry. She has played a key role in assisting SAIC in growing its presence in the space sector, leveraging her expertise to navigate the intricate legal landscape and support the company’s endeavors in intelligence, defense, and NASA.
As SAIC continues to expand its footprint in the GovCon market, Hageman’s leadership and expertise will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the company’s future success. Her journey from witnessing political instability to leading legal teams at a top government contractor is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and passion for making a difference in the industry.