Richard G. Kirkland

Richard Kirkland "was named to the position of Vice President, Corporate International Business Development for Lockheed Martin Corporation in May 2002 from his previous position of Vice President, International Programs. This newly formed CIBD organization supports the Lockheed Martin business units’ international pursuits by developing and implementing strategies for U. S. Government advocacy, technology transfer and Congressional notifications of pending military sales. These activities will be fully coordinated with the Washington Operations office. He is also responsible for the Corporation’s export licensing and compliance programs, consultant services and corporate trade show management. He will maintain close contact with U.S. Government international policy makers, and is responsible for coordinating Washington meetings between Lockheed Martin personnel and U. S. and foreign government personnel and foreign industrial representatives.

"Mr. Kirkland was Vice President for Business Development at Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems since May 1996. He was responsible for existing customers and new business from U. S. and foreign governments and developed closely related commercial markets for the company’s aeronautical products.

"Before joining Lockheed Martin, he served as Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary of Defense, Legislative Affairs where he used experience gained as Director, Senate Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Navy. A Career Naval Officer, selected for Flag rank, he is both a designated Naval Aviator and a Surface Warfare Officer. His extensive contact with patrol aviation includes tours of duty as Commander, Patrol Wing ELEVEN (CPW-11), Commanding Officer of both Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) and Patrol Squadron FIVE (VP-5) and Test Director, P-3C/S-3A HARPOON Weapons System.

"Selected as Chief of Naval Operations Fellow for Strategic Studies Group IX, he also holds a master’s degree in aeronautical systems from the University of West Florida and a bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy."

• Director, World Affairs Council, Washington, DC