Former SecAF Brings 30 Years Of Homeland And National Security Experience To The Position

Former Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James has been elected to Textron's Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2017. James recently retired as the 23rd Secretary of the United States Air Force, a position she had held since 2013. Ms. James has 30 years of homeland and national security experience in the federal government and the private sector.

"We are extremely fortunate and honored to welcome the Honorable Deborah James to our Board," said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. "Deborah’s deep expertise in national security, government procurement, strategic planning, cybersecurity, logistics and innovation, garnered from her leadership positions at the U.S. Air Force and private industry, will greatly benefit Textron,” Donnelly added.

As Secretary of the Air Force, Ms. James oversaw the Air Force's annual budget of more than $139 billion. She led the Air Force in reaching key milestones in the next generation fighter (F-35) program and the refueling aircraft program (KC-46), as well as in launching important modernization programs, including a new combat rescue helicopter, long-range strategic bomber and trainer aircraft. She also ordered the development of a comprehensive cyber campaign plan and directed the overhaul of the Air Force’s logistics organization and processes.

Prior to her role as Secretary of the Air Force, James held various executive positions during an 11-year tenure at SAIC, Inc., a provider of services and solutions in the areas of defense, health, energy, infrastructure, ISR and cybersecurity to agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), foreign governments and other customers. She most recently served as Sector President, Technical and Engineering of SAIC’s Government Solutions Group, a position she held from February through December of 2013.

James joined SAIC in 2002 as the Director of Homeland Security within SAIC, then in 2005 became Business Unit General Manager of the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Information Technology business unit. In 2010, she became SAIC’s Executive Vice President for Communications and Government Affairs.

Earlier in her career, James served as Professional Staff Member for the House Armed Services Committee and as the DoD Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Masters of International Affairs from Columbia University, along with honorary doctorates from Duke University, The Citadel and the College of Charleston.

(Image provided with Textron news release)

FMI: www.textron.com