A.C. Charania, formerly vice president of product strategy at aircraft automation services provider Reliable Robotics, has been appointed chief technologist at NASA.

He will work within the Office for Technology, Policy and Strategy and advise NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on matters related to technology innovation, policy and investment, the agency said Monday.

Charania will succeed Bhavya Lal, NASA associate administrator for technology, policy and strategy, who took on the duties of chief technologist on an acting basis.

“Technology plays a vital role in every NASA mission. Making sure that we’re pursuing the best policy objectives allows this agency to continue to serve as a global leader in innovation,” Lal said.

At Reliable Robotics, Charania led the company’s overall corporate growth strategy and partnerships with defense, civilian and commercial customers.

He previously held leadership positions in strategy and business development at Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceWorks Enterprises.

Anna Sever has been named president of Magellan Federal, Magellan Health’s government services arm.

In her new role, Sever will guide Magellan Federal in upgrading operational controls and modifying processes, structure and technology to better position the company to pursue larger federal opportunities, Magellan Health announced from Frisco, Texas on Tuesday.

“Anna has set a clear strategy to target new markets for growth and expansion for Magellan Federal in the years to come, and I’m excited to see the new ways she will lead,” commented Magellan Health CEO Derrick Duke.

Sever holds over two decades of experience in working with county, state and federal governments in the areas of new business development, capture management and program development with a focus on Medicaid and Medicare, behavioral health, child welfare and developmental disabilities.

Her time with Magellan Federal began in 2021, when she joined the company as senior vice president of its strategy and growth unit.

Before joining Magellan, Sever oversaw Maximus’ health business development unit and contributed to the organization’s work on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Veterans Affairs initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Sever served as a gubernatorial appointee in an Umbrella Health and Welfare agency, during which she led the operations of the Department of Health and Welfare.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the leader of Magellan Federal and manage the team of over 2,500 dedicated individuals offering complex wellness services to our nation’s fighting forces, federal civilian employees and their families,” Sever said.

“I look forward to the work we will accomplish while focusing on our goal to empower government personnel, military service members, and civilians to live a healthier, more productive life,” she emphasized.

Complementing her work in the federal healthcare industry, Sever currently serves as vice president of Norwin Band Aids’ Board of Directors and is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

James Reagan, a five-time Wash100 Award winner, has been appointed to SAIC’s Board of Directors.

Reagan brings four decades of career experience to the board and has worked with both publicly and privately held companies in the defense and federal services industries, the Reston, Virginia-based company announced on Tuesday.

“Both of these highly accomplished leaders are known not only for their stellar technical abilities in their fields, but also importantly, for their personal integrity and values,” said Donna Morea, chair of SAIC’s board of directors.

“Their unique abilities will support SAIC’s unwavering commitment to delivering for our customers, employees and shareholders through the company’s transformational, sustainable, long-term growth efforts,” she added.

Most recently, Reagan held the position of executive vice president and chief financial officer of Leidos before retiring in 2021. He has served as CFO in multiple other government contracting organizations, including Vencore, Vangent, Deltek and PAE, which is now part of Amentum.

Earlier in his career, he was vice president of finance at ICF International.

Throughout his time in the industry, Reagan has focused on driving shareholder value through mergers and acquisitions and growing businesses through process optimizations.

Handlon’s experience includes over 35 years with Marriott International, most recently as executive vice president of finance and treasurer of the company.

Carolyn Handlon was also added to the SAIC board. The pair of new additions raise the board’s total membership to 13, with almost two-thirds of its members being women and people of color.

SAIC is sponsoring ExecutiveBiz’s Homeland Security Forum on February 7, which will connect public and private sector leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the DHS as the agency works to promote a culture of resilience within the U.S. To learn more and register to attend, please visit ExecutiveBiz’s events page.