Neel Mehta 
John Acton, a retired U.S. Coast Guard admiral and former acting chief learning officer at the Department of Homeland Security, has joined the board of directors of McLean, Virginia-based technology services contractor TWD & Associates.
TWDÂ said Wednesday Acton previously managed DHS’ learning and development programs, department-wide policies and strategic direction.
He also gained experience in general and marketing, change and client account, field sale management, consulting, telecommunications, consumer product and internet startup during his 25-year private sector career.
He held positions at Booz Allen Hamilton, BellSouth Mobility, PepsiCo, Frito-Lay and the America’s Cup.
“John’s background, especially his executive-level commercial experience, will add a new dimension and perspective to our board of directors as we continue to expand our solution offerings beyond the government market,” said TWD President and CEO Larry Besterman.
“John will use that experience to help TWD continue to define our growth strategies and connect those strategies to day-to-day operational and financial decisions,” he added.