Richard (“Rick”) Matthews, Vice-Chair

[Image credit to Space Coast Business Magazine]

Richard (“Rick”) Matthews is vice president of Global Operations and leader of the Manned Aircraft Design Center of Excellence (CoE), located in Melbourne, Fla., at Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector, a premier provider of military aircraft, autonomous and space systems and next-generation solutions to assist our customers worldwide, preserve freedom and advance human discovery.

As the leader of the Manned Aircraft Design CoE, Matthews is responsible for developing the Center’s capacity, capability and culture to meet business objectives and the needs of customers around the globe. He is also Northrop Grumman’s lead executive for civic and business relations across Florida.

Matthews has additional responsibility as the Global Operations representative and Global Supply Chain program manager lead for Aerospace Systems’ Military Aircraft Systems division. In these capacities, Matthews provides expertise and support to every phase of weapon system management, from proposal through lifecycle support, across a widerange of systems operating worldwide.

Matthews joined Northrop Grumman in June 2007 following a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force. He led major weapon system programs, including the B-2 Stealth Bomber, and has an extensive background in leading large acquisition management functions in addition to major wholesale and retail logistics organizations.

Matthews earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Virginia Tech, a Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University and a Master of Science in national resource strategy from the National Defense University. He also completed Advanced and Executive Program Manager courses at Defense Systems Management College and is a graduate of the Executive Management Program at Penn State University.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.