Lewis Von Thaer

Lewis “Lou” Von Thaer was appointed president and CEO of Battelle, the world’s largest independent research and development organization, effective October 1, 2017. Formed in 1925 as a charitable trust and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle delivers technology solutions for the national security, healthcare, energy and environmental markets. The company has a storied history of innovation and technology advances and is highly regarded for its role in managing seven national laboratories in the United States.

Most recently, Mr. Von Thaer served as CEO of DynCorp International, a $2 billion company with 12,000 employees. There he was responsible for driving growth across several federal market sectors including aviation services, intelligence solutions, logistics and contingency operations, and operations and maintenance support.

Mr. Von Thaer began his technology career with AT&T Bell Laboratories, serving in a number of engineering and management roles with increasing responsibilities over 14 years, until the purchase of his division by General Dynamics. During his 16 years at General Dynamics, Mr. Von Thaer rose to the position of president of Advanced Information Systems and was named a corporate officer. In 2013, Mr. Von Thaer joined Leidos, Inc. as president of the company’s National Security Sector, a $4 billion business focused on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, cyber, logistics and systems solutions.

Mr. Von Thaer serves as board chair of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, co-chair for UT-Battelle (operator of Oak Ridge National Laboratory) and on the boards of the Defense Science Board, the National Defense Industrial Association, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). He also serves as a trustee of the Kansas State University Foundation, and is a member of the Ohio Business Roundtable and the Columbus Partnership’s Executive Committee.

Mr. Von Thaer holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Rutgers University. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Bexley.

Appointed by: Gov. Mike DeWine
Current Term: 05/14/2019–05/13/2028

Appointed by: Gov. John R. Kasich
First Term: 11/02/2018–05/13/2019