Northrop Grumman Hosts its Second Annual Women's Conference
Northrop Grumman's 2nd Annual Women's Conference was held September 10-11, 2007 in Herndon, Va. The event brought together more than 500 female executives from across the enterprise, challenging each one to raise her bar wherever she might be on her career path.
Rosanne O’Brien (second from right), corporate vice president, Communications, moderates a panel of Northrop Grumman sector vice presidents, including (from left to right) Jim Pitts, Mike Petters and Jim O’Neill.
The 2007 Conference opened with energy and enthusiasm, setting the tone for the remainder of the two-day event. Rosanne O’Brien, corporate vice president, Communications, moderated a panel of five Northrop Grumman sector presidents: Jerry Agee, Mission Systems; James Cameron, Technical Services; James O’Neill, Information Technology; Mike Petters, Newport News; and James Pitts, Electronic Systems. This lively presentation provided an overview of the key business issues faced by the company’s East Coast-based sectors. Each president offered his view on leadership, development and work-life balance.
Following the President’s Panel was a discussion on leadership between Ron Sugar, chairman and chief executive officer, and Ian Ziskin, corporate vice president, chief Human Resources and Administrative officer. Highlights of this informal session included Sugar’s advice on becoming an effective leader.
The second day of the conference stirred even more passion among the participants as they listened to remarks made by keynote speaker Aulana Peters, member of the Board of Directors for Northrop Grumman. Two discussion panels took place as the conference progressed: one on work-life balance moderated by Kathy Thomas, vice president, Learning and Development, Corporate; the other on career management led by Maureen Heath, vice president, Civil Space, Space Technology.
Also part of day two was a session on Human Capital Strategy during which Ziskin described new programs and policies with Michele Toth, vice president, Human Resources and Administration and Competitive Excellence, Information Technology. In addition, speakers from outside the company addressed the audience: Ellen Galinsky, president and co-founder of the Families and Work Institute, who spoke about the latest research and findings on the challenges facing those in the workplace; and Dr. Bertice Berry, sociologist, author, lecturer and educator, who brought laughter and tears during her inspirational message on finding purpose in life.
The day, and conference, ended with comments from President and Chief Operating Officer Wes Bush on the "State of Northrop Grumman," and closing remarks from Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president, Corporate Responsibility.
Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president, Corporate Responsibility, gave the closing remarks.
Ian Ziskin (left), corporate vice president, chief Human Resources and Administrative officer and Ron Sugar, chairman and chief executive officer of Northrop Grumman have an informal discussion on leadership.
President and Chief Operating Officer Wes Bush gives participants a candid view of how Northrop Grumman is doing financially, the areas of the company which need improvement, and how each of us can raise the bar where we are.
Dr. Bertice Barry reminds Northrop Grumman women that the greatest challenge in their lives is the greatest teacher in their lives.
Board Member Aulana Peters gives the keynote address, emphasizing Northrop Grumman's commitment to diversity, stating, "People are our most important asset."
Michelle Toth (right), vice president, Human Resources and Administration and Competitive Excellence for the Information Technology sector talks one-on-one with a Women’s Conference participant.
To read about the 2006 Women's Conference, click here.
