Dr. Alexis C. Livanos is corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman’s Space Technology sector.  In this role he is responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the sector, which develops a broad range of systems at the leading edge of space, defense, and electronics technology. He also serves on the company’s corporate policy council.

Dr. Livanos most recently served as sector vice president and general manager for two divisions, Systems Development and Technology and Space Sensors Division, within the company’s Electronic Systems sector.  Prior to this assignment, he led the Navigation and Space Sensors Division’s financial turnaround and established growth strategies in areas such as avionic systems and space sensors for use in the global war on terrorism.

His extensive operations experience is further demonstrated by his previous management positions in the aerospace industry.  Before joining Northrop Grumman in 2003, Dr. Livanos served as executive vice president of Boeing Satellite Systems, where he was responsible for technology, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management, and strategic relationships and ventures.  Prior to this, he served as deputy general manager for the former TRW Electronic Systems and Technology Division and later as executive vice president of operations for Space Systems/Loral.  While at Loral, he drove the development of the next generation of high-performance, high-power satellites.  During his career, Dr. Livanos has participated in the successful launch of 45 satellites.

With more than 30 years experience in research and applications in the fields of microelectronics, solid state physics, electro-optics and signal processing, Dr. Livanos has numerous technical achievements. He introduced III-V compound semiconductors to space, including GaAs MESFETs, HEMTs and HBTs, resulting in unprecedented capability and performance for a number of highly significant National Security Spacecraft Systems.  He has led advanced research programs in GaAs and InP semiconductor devices, fiber optics and electro-optic subsystems, leading to an array of new government applications.  He has also published numerous technical papers.

Dr. Livanos earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a master’s degree in engineering science, and a Ph.D. in engineering science and physics from the California Institute of Technology.  He also taught applied physics at Caltech for two years as a post-doctorate fellow.

Dr. Livanos is a member of the IEEE and AFCEA, and an associate fellow of the AIAA.  He is on the Board of Councilors for the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering and on the Board of Directors for the Space Foundation, the California Chamber of Commerce, and the National Defense Industrial Association where he also serves as the Chairman of the Intel Committee.  He is a fellow of the California Council on Science & Technology and has chaired its task force on the best and brightest.  He is also chairman of the Science Advisory Council for the Graduate Aeronautical Laboratory of Caltech (GALCIT) and a member of the Visiting Committee for Caltech’s Division of Engineering and Applied Science.  His most recent awards include induction into the National Academy of Engineering, and receipt of the Distinguished Alumni Award and the GALCIT International von Karman Wings Award at Caltech.

John F. Daegele is sector vice president of the System Engineering, Integration & Test Division for Northrop Grumman Space Technology. In this role, he has responsibility for Space Technology’s system engineering,
integration, test and launch, ground systems and program planning processes and products for all programs and new business pursuits.

Previous to his current assignment, Mr. Daegele was sector vice president of Production and Supply Chain, where he led all Space Technology procurement, electrical and mechanical manufacturing, spacecraft integration, test and launch and ground systems. Prior to that, Mr. Daegele was vice president and program manager of the Advanced EHF program. Northrop Grumman Space Technology has responsibility for the Advanced EHF satellite communications payload element and shares system engineering and integration responsibility with Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor.

In November 2002, Mr. Daegele was named vice president and director of system engineering. As the leader of Space Technology’s centralized system engineering organization, he was responsible for system engineering efforts across all Space Technology programs and business and technology development initiatives.

Earlier, Mr. Daegele was appointed vice president of science and technology for TRW Inc. As the company’s chief technical officer, he worked closely with the CEO office and with TRW’s Space & Electronics (S&E), Systems, Aeronautical Systems and Automotive business units in primary and support roles in product development programs, engineering practices, technology transfers from internal and external sources, and technical education.

Mr. Daegele previously served as director of indium phosphide programs in TRW Ventures. He also held program management positions in commercial broadband satellite communications ventures in the Telecommunications Programs Division of S&E. Previously he held positions as director of system engineering and/or system integration on several commercial and national security space programs.

Mr. Daegele holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California. He is also a graduate of the Executive Program in Management from the Anderson School at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Dr. David M. DiCarlo is sector vice president and deputy for Operations at Northrop Grumman Space Technology. His primary responsibility is internal execution of sector activities and initiatives.

Previously, Dr. DiCarlo was vice president, Programs, responsible for the management, development, deployment and operation of space systems and other deliverable end items produced by Northrop Grumman Space Technology. Prior to that, he was vice president, Engineering. In this capacity, he was responsible for all engineering activities and processes within Space Technology. He was also responsible for all microelectronic process development and fabrication.

Dr. DiCarlo joined Northrop Grumman via the acquisition of TRW in 2002. He served as vice president and general manager, Electronics & Technology Division within TRW Space & Electronics. Prior to that, he was the vice president and executive director for Broadband Wireless in TRW Ventures. Dr. DiCarlo was also vice president and director for the TRW Center for Automotive Technology, which focused on applying TRW aerospace and information technology to the company's automotive products. He has an extensive background in program management. He has also served as the director of strategic planning, marketing and technology development for electronic products within S&E and has been the business area director responsible for acquisition of new DoD and NASA payload and technology programs.

Dr. DiCarlo earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Steubenville, a master’s degree from Ohio State and doctorate from the University of Southern California, all in electrical engineering. He has authored numerous publications in the areas of communication theory and antennas.

Brad Furukawa is vice president and chief information officer for Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector. He is responsible for the management of internal information services, establishing an information technology strategic direction, and deliverying cost-effective, timely, high-quality internal IT solutions and services which align with the sector's business needs. With over 21 years with Northrop Grumman, Mr. Furukawa has served in both engineering and information technology organizations, supporting the B-2, F/A-18 C/D & E/F, YF-23, TSSAM and F-5/T38 programs.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Furukawa served as executive director and chief technology officer for Northrop Grumman. In this position, he provided the leadership in defining Northrop Grumman's strategic IT direction, developing an overall IT architecture, managing all major project initiatives, and developing common Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) Level 3 processes across the Internal Information Services business unit.

Other responsibilities included leading a national project management workforce which leveraged best practices, processes and expertise from across the country, and leading the development and deployment of sector and enterprise-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Engineering and e-Business solutions.

As the director of Software Engineering, Mr. Furukawa directed the full life cycle development, through support of Northrop Grumman's engineering, manufacturing, business and logistics information systems. With this responsibility, Mr. Furukawa managed a national workforce of more than 1,100 software engineering professionals and managers, applying common Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Level 3 processes and leveraging the expertise and best practices from across the nation to deliver IT solutions. In this role, Mr. Furukawa has deployed and supported across the corporation, SAP, PeopleSoft, Lawson, Commerce One and Ariba solutions.

Mr. Furukawa earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Northern Illinois University.

Dr. R. Bruce Gerding is sector vice president of Business Development & Planning for Northrop Grumman Space Technology.  He has responsibility for ensuring development and execution of a comprehensive strategic plan for the sector, including detailed implementation planning.  He serves as the sector interface for Corporate Business Development activities, facilitates major customer interactions and serves as the Business Development process lead.  He also manages NGST's strategic business units, the customer relations function, proposal operations and small business office.  Dr. Gerding is also president of Northrop Grumman Space Technology International Inc.

His previous assignments have included managing director of Odyssey Telecommunications International, Inc. and a vice president in TRW Space & Electronics (S&E); vice president and deputy general manager of S&E's Civil & International Systems Division; vice president of International Business Development for TRW's Space & Defense Sector; and vice president of Asia/Pacific for TRW Inc., operating from Tokyo, Japan.

Earlier in his TRW career, Dr. Gerding served as consultant and assistant to the chairman of the U.S. President's Committee on Science and Technology. He has published numerous articles on combustion, business planning, urban climatology, remote sensing and orbital mechanics.

Dr. Gerding attended the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a master of science degree in engineering and a doctorate in environmental science and engineering. He received a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. He completed the UCLA Executive Management Program and the Global Leadership Program at the American Graduate School of International Management. Among his many activities, Dr. Gerding is a founding member of the Environmental Science and Engineering Society, a member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, and a member of the World Affairs Council.

Jeffrey D. Grant is the sector vice president and general manager of the National Systems Division of Northrop Grumman’s Space Technology sector. He is responsible for the acquisition and execution of all operational programs
for restricted customers, including designing, building, launching and operating of major systems. He is also responsible for new business with these customers as well as the evolution of existing systems including capabilities enhancements and technology insertion.

Prior to that, Mr. Grant was the vice president of Business Development at Northrop Grumman Space Technology. In that role, he led the business development function, overseeing Space Technology’s strategy formulation, program development, marketing and discretionary investment.

Mr. Grant joined Northrop Grumman via the acquisition of TRW in December 2002. Prior to his joining TRW in February 2002, he has held a variety of government and private sector positions. Most recently, he was vice president and chief technical officer for Astrolink International, LLC. Astrolink was an international joint venture to develop and operate a global, broadband telecommunications satellite system.

Before joining the private sector, Grant served for 21 years at the United States Central Intelligence Agency in positions at the CIA/National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Directorate of Science and Technology, and Directorate of Intelligence, Office of Scientific Intelligence. In his most recent assignment at the NRO, Mr. Grant served as director, Office of Plans and Analysis. During his 18 years at the NRO, Mr. Grant also served as a program director for a satellite, launch and ground segment development. In addition, he was the chief systems engineer on two space intelligence collection projects involving spacecraft in both geosynchronous and low earth orbits. Mr. Grant also led an advanced technology division to develop and test advanced imagery, communication and data processing technologies.

Mr. Grant received a bachelor of science degree in ocean engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, the CIA’s Engineer of the Year, the Intelligence Certificate of Distinction, and the CIA Certificate of Distinction.

Paul Gregory is sector vice president and CFO of Business Management at Northrop Grumman Space Technology.  In this position, he is responsible for financial planning; accounting and financial reporting; sector resource and investment management; program business management; contracts and pricing; contract risk assessment; and functional business management.

Prior to this assignment, Mr. Gregory was vice president of Human Resources for Space Technology.  In this role, he was responsible for directing the development of Space Technology's work force, including talent acquisition, leadership development and training, as well as managing employee relations, organization change and effectiveness, compensation and benefits and all other functions of the human resource process. 

Mr. Gregory has more than 25 years of experience in a wide range of positions throughout Northrop Grumman. He was sector controller for Space Technology, responsible for managing sector resources and rates, financial reporting and forecasting, government cost settlements and accounting services. He also served as the director of Business Management for Business Development and Technology Development organizations where, as a key member of the team, he made significant contributions to several successful business pursuits.

Since joining the company in 1981, he held various positions within the Mission Systems sector and at TRW Headquarters.

Mr. Gregory earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California at Los Angeles and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California.

 

Clayton K.S. Kau is sector vice president of the Space & Defense Products Division for Northrop Grumman Space Technology.  In this capacity, he is responsible for engineering activities and processes within Space Technology as well as production functions for all electrical, electromechanical, microelectronic, sensor and laser products.  S&DPD is also accountable for bottom-line product cost and schedule performance.

Previously, Mr. Kau was vice president of Engineering, responsible for all engineering activities and processes and all microelectronics process development and fabrication.  Prior to that, he was the vice president and program manager of the Advanced EHF program.  Advanced EHF is the nation’s next-generation, military strategic and tactical relay system, which will deliver survivable protected communications to U.S. forces and selected allies worldwide.  Earlier, he was program manager of the Milstar Medium Data Rate Payload for TRW Space & Electronics where he directed the development, fabrication and successful deployment of the antenna, nuller and digital subsystems.

Mr. Kau joined Northrop Grumman (previously TRW) as a communications system engineer.  He has held many technical and management positions related to the development of communications satellite systems.  He was the director of Technology for the Space Communications Division with responsibility for overseeing the division’s research and development activities.  He led the Digital Development Laboratory, responsible for the payload electrical design, and managed a payload systems engineering organization. 

Mr. Kau earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.  He earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his engineer’s degree also from MIT.  He also graduated from TRW’s corporate Business Leadership Program and is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

Mr. Kau is a recipient of a TRW CEO leadership award, TRW Chairman’s Award for Innovation, and the 2008 Asian American Engineer of the Year Award winner.  He is NGST’s executive lead on Northrop Grumman’s Corporate Engineering Council.

Philip A. Marquez is vice president, assistant general counsel and sector counsel for Space Technology.  He assumed this position in February 2007.  He leads Space Technology's Law Department, which is responsible for providing ethical, high-quality, responsive and cost effective support, counsel and guidance to assist Space Technology achieve its goals.  In addition, the Law Department has the broader responsibility to ensure that Space Technology's business is conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and company policies, and in a manner consistent with responsible management of legal risk.

Mr. Marquez joined the company in 1988 as senior staff counsel at the B-2 Division, now a part of Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector.  He has served in positions of increasing responsibility for the sector, most recently for all legal services to its Unmanned Systems and High Altitude Long Endurance Systems operations in Rancho Bernardo, California.  He is a member of the American Bar Association's Section on Public Contract Law.

Mr. Marquez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Loyola University at Los Angeles, a Master of Science degree in mathematics from The Ohio State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School. 

Mike McVey is sector vice president of the Supply Chain Division for Northrop Grumman Space Technology. He is responsible for sector strategic sourcing and supply chain management with complete ownership of subcontractor performance, strategic sourcing, and procurement and supplier rationalization.

Previously, Mr. McVey was vice president of Directed Energy Systems. In this role, he led an integrated organization that included directed energy technology development, business development and program execution elements. All laser programs and initiatives reported to Directed Energy Systems, including ABL, THEL, SILL, the Joint High Power Solid State Laser Program and other laser technology efforts; active protection systems efforts; and affiliates Cutting Edge Optronics and Synoptics.

Prior to that, Mr. McVey was vice president of the Production & Supply Chain organization where he was responsible for procurement, electrical and mechanical manufacturing, spacecraft integration, test, and launch and ground systems for all programs. Earlier, he served as program manager for Astrolink and director of Electronic Production in the Electronics & Technology Division.

Before joining the company in 1999, Mr. McVey managed the Power Systems Directorate at Space Systems Loral, where he had full responsibility for design through delivery of solar arrays, batteries and power electronic units as well as electronic production of digital and RF hardware. He has held positions at Hughes Space and Communications and The Aerospace Corporation working on acquisition, design, production and on-orbit support of spacecraft systems.

Mr. McVey earned a bachelors degree in electrical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology in 1982. He holds several patents in the areas of spacecraft power systems and electronics design.

Diane W. Murphy is the sector director of Communications for Northrop Grumman Space Technology. In this position, she is responsible for the overall strategic leadership of the Communications process organization, including employee communications, executive communications, marketing communications, media relations, public affairs, local government relations and the sector’s IMAGE center, which develops animation, simulation and integrated media products.

Most recently, Ms. Murphy served as president of Federal City Communications Corporation, a public relations firm specializing in aerospace, defense and political affairs, and as the executive vice president for the X PRIZE Foundation, a not-for-profit organization using competitions to create innovative breakthroughs in space and related technologies.

Previously, Ms. Murphy served as vice president of Communications and Public Affairs for EADS North America, the U.S. holding company for EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. She began her career on Capitol Hill as a press secretary to U.S. Rep. John Rhodes of Arizona before joining the Washington campaign consultancy, Smith and Harroff, Inc., where she managed media campaigns for more than 30 political candidates.

Ms. Murphy earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. She is a member of the National Press Club and its Morning Newsmaker Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors of the X PRIZE Foundation, the Washington Space Business Roundtable, Youth Service America, the National World Affairs Council and the Dashew International Center for Students and Scholars at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Michelle Murphy is sector vice president, Human Resources and Administration for Northrop Grumman Space Technology.  In this position, she is responsible for directing the development of Space Technology's work force, including talent acquisition, leadership development and training. 

As leader of the human resources team, Ms. Murphy plans and implements Space Technology's human resources strategy, as well as manages employee relations, organization change and effectiveness, compensation and benefits, ethics and diversity, community relations and all other functions of the human resources organization.

Prior to her current assignment, Ms. Murphy was division director, Human Resources.  She was responsible for leading the Human Resources function for the Missile Systems business area of Mission Systems sector, which is comprised of the Missile Defense Division, the ICBM Prime Integration Contract, and the Kinetic Energy Interceptor Program.  She led the diverse team that provides human resource support to over 2300 geographically dispersed employees.

Ms. Murphy earned her M.B.A. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has received her Senior Professional in Human Resources certification.  She completed the advanced leadership program, Creating the Future, at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration and is a graduate of the LEADING One Northrop Grumman leadership program.  In addition, she is a certified coach for the PDI PROFILOR® 360, is MBTI qualified, and certified to facilitate the Drexler-Sibbet Team Performance System, as well as William Bridges & Associates Leading Organizational Transitions.

Frederick L. Ricker is sector vice president and general manager for the Military Systems Division. This division is responsible for the acquisition and execution of all spiral development programs and operational programs associated with the U.S. Air Force, Missile Defense Agency and other military customers.

Most recently, Mr. Ricker served as vice president and program director for the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) Program, which is an integral part of the Ballistic Missile Defense System architecture, providing its global missile tracking capability. Prior to this assignment, he was deputy of Programs, the organization responsible for the management, development, deployment and operation of space systems and other deliverable end items produced by Northop Grumman Space Technology. Prior to that, he was vice president and program director of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS), the country’s next-generation remote-sensing system to measure and disseminate environmental data to global and regional civilian and national security users.

Before NPOESS, Mr. Ricker was vice president and general manager of the TRW Space & Laser Programs Division. This division was responsible for management of major space systems for NASA, NOAA, and other international and commercial space customers; it was also responsible for management of high-energy laser payload and system developments for U.S. and international customers.

Earlier, Mr. Ricker was vice president and general manager of TRW’s Electronics & Technology Division. This division provided electronic payload technology and products to Space & Electronics enterprise programs and other prime contractors.

Mr. Ricker joined TRW in 1977 as a member of the technical staff. He has held many technical and management positions of increasing responsibility associated with the development, delivery, and operation of space-based systems.

Mr. Ricker earned his bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico in 1975. He earned his master's degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1977. He is a graduate of the UCLA Executive Management Program and TRW's corporate Business Leadership Program.

Dr. Thomas E. Romesser is sector vice president and general manager of Technology & Emerging Systems Divsion for Northrop Grumman Space Technology. In this role, he is responsible for the development and execution
of Space Technology’s strategy to support both near- and long-term business objectives, system enhancements and technology leverage for new business pursuits. He oversees activities of the Dircted Energy Systems and Advanced Concepts organizations as well as the Space Technology Research Laboratories established in early 2007. He is also responsible for spawning new systems business opportunities in adjacent market areas and/or new solutions for existing customers and markets. Dr. Romesser serves as Space Technology’s senior spokesman on technology matters.

Prior to this assignment, Dr. Romesser was vice president of Technology Development, responsible for the identification, development and acquisition of Space Technology’s strategic technologies, and managed discretionary investments in technology and product development.

Dr. Romesser joined Northrop Grumman via the acquisition of TRW in 2002. A vice president since 1998, Tom previously served as vice president and deputy of the Space & Electronics Engineering organization. Prior to that, he was vice president and general manager of TRW’s Space & Technology Division, responsible for spacecraft hardware and software engineering, manufacturing, test and space vehicle production, as well as chemical and solid-state laser design and development, sensor systems, space and tactical propulsion systems, and research in the physical, chemical and engineering sciences.

Since joining the company in 1975, he has been involved in the development and management of a broad range of high technology capabilities that have established and maintained NGST’s reputation and enabled technological differentiation in the marketplace.

Dr. Romesser earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Manhattan College and master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Iowa. He is also a graduate of the USC Executive Management Program. Dr. Romesser was elected a fellow of the Directed Energy Professional Society in 2002 and a member of the National Academy of Engineering in February 2003.

David L. Ryan is sector vice president and general manager of the Civil Systems Division at Northrop Grumman Space Technology. He is responsible for execution of all civil space operational programs including design, build, launch and operation of major systems, subsystems and sensors, and acquisition of all new civil space business.

Previously, Mr. Ryan was vice president and program director of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Program. NPOESS is the country’s next generation remote sensing system to measure and disseminate environmental data to global and regional civilian and national security users. Prior to that, he was vice president of Payloads and Sensors for Northrop Grumman Space Technology. In this position, he led the development and implementation of the sector’s sensor and payload strategy, and was responsible for all subcontracting activities for the sector, including source selection, negotiation, execution and delivery.

Before joining Northrop Grumman in 2005, Mr. Ryan served as president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. In that capacity, he was responsible for general management of the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial and government communications satellites.

Previous assignments have included serving as the vice president and deputy general manager in the Space and Intelligence Systems Division of Boeing where he led all internal operations of the division. He also served as vice president and deputy program manager for Boeing’s Future Imagery Architecture program during the first three years of that program. Before that, he was vice president and deputy general manager of Satellite Systems Division, responsible for a number of commercial satellite ventures as well as military satellite programs such as the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Prior to joining Boeing in 1990, Mr. Ryan spent a 13-year career designing and operating satellite systems for TRW (now Northrop Grumman Space Technology). His technical training is in communication systems engineering, satellite payload systems engineering, and satellite system integration and test.

Mr. Ryan received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Sonya Sepahban is sector vice president and chief engineer of Mission Excellence for Northrop Grumman Space Technology, which encompasses mission assurance, quality, system safety and process excellence functions. She is responsible for providing broad oversight of programs, products and process performance to ensure excellent execution as well as mission success of Space Technology programs.

Ms. Sepahban joined Northrop Grumman via the acquisition of TRW in 2002. Prior to her current assignment, she was vice president of System Engineering, responsible for the development and implementation of system engineering strategy, execution on all major programs, as well as improvement and control of system engineering processes. Previously, she was vice president and deputy of Technology Development, responsible for the identification, development and acquisition of Space Technology’s broad base of strategic technologies. She also served as vice president and deputy general manager of Engineering, where her duties included managing resources, core processes, products and services associated with disciplines spanning systems engineering, electromechanical, electrical and microelectronics processes.

Prior to joining TRW in 1997, Ms. Sepahban was at NASA, Johnson Space Center for nearly ten years, assuming positions of increasing technical and management responsibility on programs such as the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Throughout her career, Ms. Sepahban has participated broadly in space system design and development activities and made contributions related to spacecraft thermal control; guidance, navigation and control; spacecraft systems engineering; and mission operations. Before joining NASA, she worked at major aerospace companies including Lockheed and Dassault Aeronautics.

Ms. Sepahban earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and a master's degree in engineering from Rice University, Houston, Texas. She also holds an MBA from the University of Houston, Texas, and a degree in political and economic sciences from the Institute of Political Sciences, Paris, France.

Ms. Sepahban has assumed positions of leadership in technical societies, including technical chair for the AIAA Space 2004 and lead co-author of the AIAA Space Modeling and Simulation book. She was most recently awarded the Northrop Grumman Chairman’s Award for Excellence in 2005. Ms. Sepahban is the chair of the Northrop Grumman Corporate Quality Council, and also on the executive board of the Boys and Girls Club of South Bay.

Art Stephenson is the sector vice president and deputy program manager of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) program for Northrop Grumman Space Technology. NPOESS is the nation’s next-generation low-Earth orbiting remote sensing system and will provide environmental data to military and civilian users.

Previously, Mr. Stephenson served as vice president for Space Exploration Systems within the Integrated Systems sector, dedicated to supporting NASA space exploration customers. Prior to that, he was the vice president of Directed Energy Systems, where he launched the directed energy business for the Space Technology sector.

Mr. Stephenson was director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center from 1998 until 2003. He led one of NASA’s largest field centers responsible for NASA’s Shuttle propulsion elements, research and development of advanced launch and space transportation systems, operation of the International Space Station’s on-board microgravity science, and research, development and operation of earth and space science experiments and scientific spacecraft. Prior to that, he was president of Oceaneering Technologies, which provides high technology services and products to NASA, the commercial space industry, Navy and other customers.

Mr. Stephenson spent much of his career with TRW, serving the company for 28 years in a series of increasingly responsible management positions.
Mr. Stephenson has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Redlands and is a graduate of UCLA’s Executive Management Program. He was elected a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and is a member of both the National Space Society and Rotary International.

Wayne Watanabe is the director of Internal Audit for Northrop Grumman Space Technology.  In this position, he is responsible for administering the corporate audit function at Space Technology, and directing an audit program that ensures independent and objective evaluation of internal controls and  operational effectiveness.  As a corporate managed function, the Internal Audit department is broadly empowered to assess and assist the sectors in developing and improving processes that lead to operational and financial success.

Mr. Watanabe most recently was the director of Corporate Internal Audit for the Northrop Grumman Corporate Office.  He has a vast amount of experience and knowledge regarding the company’s culture and processes.  His corporate perspective contributes to the improvement of sector processes and implementation of best practices.

Mr. Watanabe joined Northrop Grumman in 1985.  He served as an auditor specialist and audit manager at the Military Aircraft Systems Division (currently Integrated System Western Region) for 11 years, before moving to the Corporate Office in 1996 as the director of Corporate Internal Audit.

Mr. Watanabe has a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Long Beach State University and a master’s in business administration from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.