Larry Lawson, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company executive vice president and F-22 program general manager, has been elected by the delegates of the Air Force Association (AFA) as a national director - at large, of the AFA Board of Directors. The vote was held in Washington, D.C., at the AFA National convention prior to the start of the 2009 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition.

Lawson brings 30 years of defense industry experience and business leadership to the position. He has led the F-22 Raptor Program, including the industry team of partners and nearly 1,000 suppliers, since 2004. He is responsible for all facets of the program, including strategic direction and infusion of the latest technologies into the Raptor.

Lawson started his career in the defense industry with McDonnell Douglas as a designer on the F-15. Since then, he has led the development and fielding of a broad spectrum of weapon systems. Prior to coming to the F-22, he was the vice president of Business Development for Lockheed Martin's Electronic Systems business area. He is a recognized industry leader and committed to delivering capability and quality to the United States Air Force.

"We are thrilled to welcome Larry to the AFA Board of Directors," said Joseph E. Sutter, chairman of the AFA Board of Directors. "His years of defense industry knowledge bring a unique perspective to this key role. His experience coupled with his tremendous leadership record will be extremely valuable as he works with the other dedicated Board of Directors to serve our nation's airmen."

"It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to serve alongside these distinguished AFA board members," said Lawson. "Our goal must be to ensure the warfighter has the best capability our industry can offer, and I'm excited to accept this new role and serve the men and women who defend our nation."

AFA is a 501(C) (3), nonprofit organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA has more than 200 chapters nationally and internationally representing more than 125,000 members. Visit AFA at http://www.afa.org/.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

  For additional information, visit our Web sites:
  http://www.lockheedmartin.com/
  http://www.f22-raptor.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company