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Anthony J. Moraco

B.S., Civil Engineering, 1982

M.S., Civil Engineering, 1984

Induction year: 2026

For first-generation college student Tony Moraco, the appeal of Virginia Tech’s close-knit college town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains brought him to Blacksburg. “I have always loved Virginia Tech’s campus and have fond memories of walking around the Duck Pond, tubing on the New River, and hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains,” he said. 

Initially interested in architecture and construction, Moraco discovered surveying and mapping while pursuing his degree in civil engineering; that ultimately led him to graduate studies in photogrammetry and geodesy. Through this work, he became immersed in remote sensing using aircraft and satellites, launching a career focused on supporting U.S. national security within the defense and intelligence communities.

Moraco joined SAIC in 2006 and, during a pivotal moment in the company’s history, was named chief executive officer in 2013. In that role, he led the company’s rebranding and drove long-term value creation for employees, customers, and shareholders before retiring in 2019. “The excellent engineering education I received at Virginia Tech was foundational to my success throughout my career,” he said. “Beyond technical knowledge, I learned how to continuously learn and solve complex problems — important skills that I used every step of the way.”

 

Professional roles:

  • CEO, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), 2013-2019
  • President, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, SAIC, 2012-2013
  • Executive Vice President, Operations and Performance Excellence, SAIC, 2010-2012
  • Senior Vice President, Space and Geospatial Intelligence, SAIC, 2006-2010
  • Director, Homeland Security, The Boeing Company Phantom Works, 2004-2006
  • Deputy General Manager, Mission Systems, Space and Intelligence, The Boeing Company, 2000-2004
  • Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Operations, Autometric, 1993-2000
  • Program Manager and Engineer, Autometric, 1984-1993

Boards and committees:

  • Board Member, Virginia Tech College of Engineering Advisory Board, 2019-2022, 2015-2017
  • Board Member, Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board, Virginia Tech, 2006-2012
  • Board Member, Northern Virginia Technology Council, 2013-2019
  • Board Member, Intelligence and National Security Alliance, 2014-2018
  • Board Chair, Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct, 2014
  • Board Member, Operation Homefront, 2013-2016

Corporate board roles:

  • Director, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, 2021–Present
  • Director, Radiance Technologies, 2025-Present
  • CEO and Director, Science Applications International Corporation, 2013-2019

Awards and honors:

  • Academy of Distinguished Alumni, Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2014
  • Washington 100 Award, Executive Mosaic, 2013-2019
  • Tech Titan, Washingtonian Magazine, 2016
  • 50 Most Influential Virginians, Virginia Business Magazine, 2016

Why did you decide to come to Virginia Tech?

I decided to attend Virginia Tech because of the reputation of the architectural and engineering programs. I also wanted to reside outside of Buffalo, New York and I was drawn to the setting in Blacksburg as a college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plus, for a first-generation college student, Virginia Tech was a financial bargain at the time as the out-of-state tuition was comparable to in-state tuition in New York.

How did you decide what to major in at Virginia Tech?

I was always interested in architecture and construction and realized my math and science skills were stronger than my creative artistic skills, so I opted for a civil engineering degree. Within civil engineering, I was drawn to surveying and mapping, which led me to my master's degree in photogrammetry and geodesy. These disciplines introduced me to remote sensing using aircraft and satellites that led ultimately to my career serving U.S. national security interests for the defense and intelligence communities.

What is one of your favorite memories from Virginia Tech?

My favorite memories at Virginia Tech are mostly around spending time outdoors with friends, roommates, and my girlfriend – now my wife for over 40 years. I love the Virginia Tech campus and have fond memories of walking around the Duck Pond, tubing on the New River, and hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What led you to your chosen profession?

Early in my career I was exposed to classified technical work for U.S. defense and intelligence programs and I became passionate about the missions of key national security programs. The exposure to advanced technical innovations was exciting. I also enjoyed the business aspect of the technical work that allowed me to become a manager and lead a broad technical team and work directly with customers.

What was the moment in your career that you felt like you made it? 

A moment in my career that stands out is becoming CEO of SAIC and ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange to take the new SAIC public as a $4 billion company. It was the culmination of a 30-year career that afforded me many opportunities to work with amazing people who helped me develop my technical, financial, and leadership skills.

Please note: Inductee spotlight is as of the year of their induction.