Erik Prince is the founder of Blackwater USA, a security contractor under recent scrutiny for its involvement in the Iraq war.Washington Post: The Man From Blackwater, Shooting From the Lip (October 3, 2007)
On March 2, 2009, Prince resigned from Blackwater, now known as "Xe." Prince will be replaced by CEO of Xe, Danielle Esposito.CNN: Blackwater founder, CEO resigns (March 2, 2009)
Fast Facts:
- Born: June 6, 1969 in Holland, Michigan
- Alma Mater: Hillsdale College
- Board Member - Christian Freedom International
- A former U.S. Navy SEAL
- Wife, Joan Prince, died of cancer in 2003
- On the board of directors at the Special Operations Warrior Foundation
- Earned his pilots license at age 17PilotOnline.com: Q&A: Blackwater's founder on the record (July 24, 2006)
- Founded Blackwater after he sold his father's automotive supply businessPilotOnline.com: Q&A: Blackwater's founder on the record (July 24, 2006)
- Blackwater International is now name XeUSAToday: Blackwater chief steps down (March 2, 2009)
- Stepped down as CEO of Xe on March 2, 2009USAToday: Blackwater chief steps down (March 2, 2009)
- Sister Betsy DeVos served as the chair of Michigan Republican Party
Blackwater Congressional Hearings
In October 2007, Iraq's Government called to have Blackwater prosecuted for the shooting of 17 civilians in Baghdad. Prince was the subject of a congressional hearing on the matter on October 2, 2007. During the hearings on the shooting in Iraq, Price remarked, "I believe we acted appropriately at all times."Washington Post: The Man From Blackwater, Shooting From the Lip (October 3, 2007)
