June 20, 2001 – A business and government executive with extensive experience in science and engineering has been named to lead the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

Anthony J. Tether was appointed June 18 by U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to lead DARPA, the central research and development organization for the Defense Department.

DARPA, which has a $2 billion annual budget, was the first agency in the world to fund MEMS and microsystems projects. Since 1992, the agency has invested $300 million to $350 million into the small tech efforts of military, business and academic institutions, according to agency officials.

According to a Defense Department news release, Tether most recently served as chief executive officer and president of the Sequoia Group, which he founded in 1996. The firm provides program management and strategy development services to government and industry.

He also was chief executive for Dynamics Technology Inc., vice president of Science Applications International Corp.’s (SAIC) Advanced Technology Sector, and vice president and general manager for Range Systems at SAIC. In addition, he served as vice president for technology and advanced development at Ford Aerospace Corp.

He has held positions with the Defense Department, serving as director of DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office from 1982-1986, and director of the National Intelligence Office in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1978-1982.

In 1986, Tether received both the National Intelligence Medal and the Department of Defense Civilian Meritorious Service Medal.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1964 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as a master of science degree in 1965 and Ph.D. in electrical engineering in 1969 from Stanford University.