Charla K. Wise, vice president of engineering at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., has been honored with the Women In Aerospace organization's 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at a reception on Capitol Hill on Sept. 17.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a business area of Lockheed Martin Corp. .

The honor recognizes Wise's 27 years of experience in program management and engineering on military aircraft programs. She currently leads an engineering workforce of more than 8,000 people working on the F-16, F-22, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, C-130J, F-117 and U-2 aircraft programs.

Wise has served in her present position, overseeing the activities of Lockheed Martin engineers in Fort Worth, Texas; Marietta, Ga.; and Palmdale, Calif., since early 2000. She served as vice president of engineering for the former Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems company from 1998-2000.

She was first named a Lockheed Martin vice president in 1994, when she became the company's program director for the F-22 development program in Fort Worth. She previously worked on the F-16 program, starting as an engineer beginning in 1975 and progressing through increasingly responsible positions, including program director for F-16 U.S. Air Force production programs from 1975 to 1980.

"Charla is not only an exceptional role model for women in the aerospace field but actively promotes their advancements and contributions," said Dain M. Hancock, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. "She has been an excellent mentor for numerous employees and is someone who has been a critical part of our leadership team for a number of years."

Wise was one of the initial supporters of a company initiative that prepares women and minorities for management positions through a two-year mentoring program. She is active in community organizations and currently serves on the boards of the United Way and Goodwill Industries in Fort Worth, Texas. On the national level, she serves on the executive committees for the Aerospace Industries of America Technical Operations Council and Society of Automotive Engineers Aerospace Council.

Wise is married and has three children. She received her degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan.

Women In Aerospace is dedicated to expanding women's opportunities for leadership and increasing their visibility in the aerospace community. Its members, including women and men, share an interest in a broad spectrum of aerospace issues.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F/A-22, F-35 JSF, F-117, T-50, C-5, C-130, C-130J, P-3, S-3 and U-2.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp., headquartered in Bethesda, Md. Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. Employing about 125,000 people worldwide, Lockheed Martin had 2001 sales of $24 billion.

For more information Lockheed Martin Corp., visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

For more information Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company