Spectra Systems Corporation Adds the Honorable BJ Penn, Former Acting Secretary of the Navy, to its Board of Directors

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Jun 17, 2010, 12:44 ET

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Spectra Systems Corporation, an innovator in developing and commercializing a variety of advanced materials and systems including technology for the defense industry, today announced the appointment of the Honorable BJ Penn to its Board of Directors. Mr. Penn will chair the Company's Government Security Committee and provide insight and strategic guidance to Spectra's executive team and Board of Directors. Mr. Penn adds significant operating management and leadership expertise gained from his highly distinguished career with the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Penn's naval career most recently included an appointment as Acting Secretary of the Navy from March to May 2009 and prior to that as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Environment) from March 2005. Mr. Penn also was the Director, Industrial Base Assessments from October 2001 to March 2005. In this position, he was responsible for the overall health of the U.S. Defense industrial base.

Mr. Penn began his career as a Naval Aviator and significant leadership assignments include: Executive Officer/Commanding Officer VAQ 33, Battalion Officer at the U.S. Naval Academy (including Officer-in-Charge of the Plebe Detail for the class of '83), Air Officer in USS America, Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations, Commanding Officer of NAS North Island, CA, and Deputy Director of the Navy Office of Technology Transfer & Security Assistance.

Mr. Penn is a native of Peru, Indiana and received his BS from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. and his MS from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. He has also received certificates in Aerospace Safety from the University of Southern California and in National Security for Senior Officials from the Kennedy School, Harvard University.

Nabil Lawandy, Spectra's Chairman and CEO commented: "Mr. Penn will be a great asset to Spectra Systems and to our Board of Directors as we continue to develop our technologies and increase our market share in the Government and Defense industry sectors. His knowledge and experience will add a new dimension to our understanding of this often complex market segment."

Spectra Systems develops, manufactures and markets advanced technology-based products for marking, tracking, and authentication applications across many markets. Spectra Systems' innovative products are comprised of consumables, hardware, and software components. Most of its products have been designed based on a "lock and key" relationship among the products' components, with the goal of permitting customers to purchase solutions, consumables and services from one source. Spectra Systems is headquartered in Providence, RI, U.S.A. and has a significant research and development and manufacturing facility in East Providence, RI. For additional information, visit www.spectrasystems.com.

SOURCE Spectra Systems Corporation