William Hunter Hilarides

Former Vice Admiral

Department of Defense
Subject Matter Expert: Navy Undersea & Cyber

Mr. William Hilarides deployed for almost 20 years on four nuclear-powered submarines of three different designs, USS PARGO (SSN 650), USS GURNARD (SSN 662), USS MARYLAND (SSBN 738), and USS KEY WEST (SSN 722). He commanded KEY WEST from May 1998 to November 2000. His shore assignments during his operational career included duty on the staff of the Commander of US Submarine Forces, the staff of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Chief of Naval Operations.

He entered the Acquisition Professional community in 2002, achieving qualification as a certified Program Manager. Assignments included Program Manager of the SSGN Submarine Conversion Program, Program Executive Officer for Submarines, and Commander of the Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA). At NAVSEA, he oversaw a global workforce of almost 70,000 military and civilian personnel responsible for the development, delivery and maintenance of the Navy’s ships, submarines and warfare systems.

Mr. Hilarides received various personal and campaign awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Intelligence Distinguished Service medal. He retired in 2016 after 35 years of service.

Since retiring, he has consulted in Defense, Intelligence and Cyber, Energy and Health care. He serves on the Australian Naval Shipbuilding Advisory board, the board of Gryphon Technologies and the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital quality board.

Raised in Chicago, Mr. Hilarides graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He holds a Master’s degree in engineering management from the Catholic University of America and is a certified Acquisition Professional in the U.S. Defense Acquisition System.