A Diagnostics & Imaging Week

American Science and Engineering (AS&E; Billerica, Massachusetts) reported the passing of its chairman, Lt. Gen. William Odom. Odom, 75, was elected to the American Science and Engineering board in September 1996 and appointed chairman in September 1998.

In a meeting held yesterday, AS&E's board of directors named current board member Denis Brown as its new chairman, pursuant to an existing succession plan.

"Gen. Odom's sudden and unexpected passing fills us with great sadness. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife and family," said Anthony Fabiano, AS&E's president/CEO. "He has left all who have known and worked with him a great legacy of vibrant, wise, and spirited leadership. As chairman for the past 10 years, Gen. Odom deftly steered the company through pivotal times and his significant contributions made a very positive impact on company performance."

Odom's time on AS&E's board was part of a long and distinguished professional and military career. His military service spanned 34 years as an officer in the U.S. Army, retiring as a three-star lieutenant general. He served as director of the National Security Agency during the Reagan administration, and was a senior fellow for the Hudson Institute in Washington.

Brown is a private investor and advisor to a start-up software company serving the idea management market. American Science and Engineering is a supplier of X-ray inspection systems.