Lockheed Martin's Ralph Tourino, vice president, Integrated Systems & Solutions, Space Support and Global Strike has once again been named one of the 50 Most Important Hispanics in Technology and Business. The editors of Hispanic Engineer and Information Technology selected Tourino for "his leadership and outstanding work in the field of technology."

Tourino, of Cuban and Spanish heritage, was similarly honored in 2003 and 2004.

When asked about challenges facing the aerospace industry, Tourino said: "We need to encourage more students of all backgrounds and gender to pursue careers in math and science. Our nation grew and prospered due to problem solvers, and today's reliance on high tech requires an ever-increasing need for engineers who will apply their skills to technological problems. Government, industry and academia must all address the trend away from science and find ways to foster interest in engineering."

In addition to the engineering focus of the Hispanic Engineer award, attention is also directed to Tourino's leadership qualities as evidenced by a 30-year military career as well as his years in the aerospace industry.

Tourino is a retired US Air Force major general whose last role while on active duty was program director for the B-2 stealth bomber. During his career in uniform, Tourino won numerous awards including the Aeronautics Club's Collier Award; the Von Karmen Award, for technical excellence; and the Schriever Award for major acquisition management. He has been with Lockheed Martin since 1995.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin