Retired Vice Admiral Bruce MacDonald, former United States Navy Judge Advocate General, has joined Applied Technical Systems Inc. as president and chief operating officer. MacDonald will also serve on the company’s board of directors.

Headquartered in Silverdale, Wash., ATS also has offices in Suffolk and Alexandria. Founded in 1980, the company helps develop software, services and solutions that help the government and businesses transform data to decisions.

“Bruce brings a wealth of professional knowledge and experience to our team, and we are delighted that he is joining ATS,” said Rick Leenstra, ATS CEO and chairman.

MacDonald most recently served as the Convening Authority for Military Commissions, reporting directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

“I am honored to join ATS and work with this exceptional team. With its current momentum and string of contract wins, I look forward contributing to the future direction and growth of this nationally recognized leader,” MacDonald said.

“With a second office opening in Alexandria, and a significant expansion of its Suffolk operations, ATS is well poised to meet the challenges its customers are facing.”

MacDonald graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and entered the Navy in May of that year, serving as an engineering officer on destroyers. He later received his degree of Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 1987 and a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1992.