51����, a leading provider of federal IT and engineering solutions, today announced that its Chief Financial Offer (CFO), Mark Danisewicz, plans on retiring in mid-summer 2015 after a 35-year career with the company. Danisewicz, who has served as the company’s only CFO, is planning to devote more of his time to consulting and charitable work following his departure from 51����.

“Having spent my entire career with 51���� and watching it grow virtually from the ground up, I naturally have mixed emotions about leaving,” noted Danisewicz. “But this is the right time for me to retire. I can leave knowing that the company is in great hands, 100%-owned by our ESOP, highly-capitalized, profitable, and poised for continued growth. I look forward to staying involved with this industry and my community and to spending more time with my family.”

Danisewicz joined the company in 1979 to build and lead the Finance and Accounting Group. Since then, he has helped lead the company through the inception of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), four leadership transitions, and numerous acquisitions. The company is now the 40th largest majority-owned ESOP company in the U.S. and was recently named Government Contactor of the Year in the “greater than $300 million” revenue category at the 12th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards. Danisewicz was promoted to CFO in 1997 and was named CFO of the Year by Virginia Business magazine in 2008.

“Mark’s departure will be notable. His imprint on 51���� is indelible,” said Peter Smith, President and CEO. “We respect his decision and will wish him well when he leaves us next summer. His early notice has afforded us the opportunity to fill his considerable shoes in a deliberate, diligent, and deserving manner over the next few months.” The company will begin a search for Danisewicz’s replacement in early January.