Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has named Tania Hanna vice president of Government Relations. In this position, she is responsible for the company’s relations with the U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch, defense and aerospace industry representatives located in the Washington, D.C. area, as well as international government agencies.

Hanna, 44, succeeds Peter Challan, who is taking on a new position as vice president, Industry-Specific Programs for the company’s Mission Critical Networks business.

Hanna joined Harris in 2003 and most recently was vice president, Policy and Legislative Affairs for Harris. In that role, she was responsible for implementing and overseeing Harris’ engagements with the U.S. Congress and related organizations and building the company’s international government relations capabilities. Prior to joining Harris, she served as a senior associate with a DC-based law firm; senior attorney at the Federal Communications Commission; and general counsel for a small Internet startup.

Hanna has a bachelor’s degree in international politics from Georgetown University; a graduate degree from the University of Antwerp, Belgium; a law degree from American University; and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Norwich University. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Pakistan Business Council; the National Defense Industrial Association’s Women in Defense; the D.C. Bar; and the Federal Communications Bar Association.

"Harris supports more than 300 U.S. government programs and is expanding its capabilities, presence and visibility in the Washington, D.C. area,” said William Brown, president and CEO of Harris. “Tania brings vast industry knowledge and experience and a leadership style that will help us reach our strategic goals. She will maintain our strong relationships with the legislative bodies in Washington, and provide the strong linkage to Harris businesses worldwide."