MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Bell (65th)

House Resolution 79

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MS. KARMYN NORWOOD ON HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE AIR MOBILITY AND MARITIME MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS LINE OF BUSINESS FOR LOCKHEED MARTIN AERONAUTICS COMPANY.

     WHEREAS, as an outstanding leader in her position as Vice President for the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions (AMMM) International Programs Line of Business for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Marietta, Georgia, Ms. Karmyn Norwood is responsible for the design, development, testing, production, sustainment and modernization of military and civilian aircraft for international customers in over 60 countries; and

     WHEREAS, a Jackson, Mississippi, native, Ms. Norwood graduated from Provine High School, received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Jackson State University, a master's degree in electrical engineering from George Mason University and an executive MBA from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and she is a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University Program Management Institute; and

     WHEREAS, Ms. Norwood has been an invaluable asset to Lockheed Martin since 2002, and she has previously served as the general manager of the Meridian, Mississippi, C-130J production facility where she established the overall site strategy and managed plant operations, as well as the production and delivery of 50 percent of the primary structures of the C-130J aircraft; and

     WHEREAS, throughout her prestigious career, Ms. Norwood has ensured long-term viability and competiveness of platforms such as C-130J Super Hercules airlifter; LM 100J commercial freighter; F-35 Lightning II multi-role, multi-variant combat aircraft; P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft; and the C-5M Super Galaxy strategic airlifter; and

     WHEREAS, as a stellar employee, Ms. Norwood's exceptional performance has garnered her much admiration and respect, and afforded her the opportunity to hold numerous leadership roles, including Director of Engineering, where she was responsible for more than 7,000 engineers accountable for the design, development, integration, production and sustainment of military aircraft for the United States and countries around the world; the leader of the sustainment organization responsible for reliability improvements of the F-22 aircraft to achieve aircraft availability requirements and ensure customer satisfaction; and the overseer of the internal merger of two multi-billion programs to drive affordability, reduce costs, streamline processes and strengthen the workforce, resulting in the formation of the Integrated Fighter Group; and

     WHEREAS, before joining Lockheed Martin, Ms. Norwood worked as a signals analyst for the federal government where she specialized in airborne radar signals, and furthermore, her diverse background includes experience in engineering, production, sustainment, program management and general management with a proven track record of superior performance and exceptional business growth; and

     WHEREAS, as a recipient of the 2015 Black Engineer of the Year Special Recognition Award, who was also recognized as one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business in 2017 by the Network Journal, Ms. Norwood is a member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce; and

     WHEREAS, additionally, Ms. Norwood is a member of the Jackson State University Computer Science Engineering and Technology Advisory Board, where she provides student development as well as guidance on future industry opportunities in support of the school's strategic vision, and she is dedicated to ensuring a pipeline of diverse talent is developed through Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives to help Lockheed Martin meet its future workforce requirements; and

     WHEREAS, synonymous with unparalleled service, Ms. Norwood's consistency in performance has remained steadfast throughout her illustrious career, and her dedication and commitment inspires all of those around her to strive for excellence each day; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Ms. Karmyn Norwood, whose legacy of hard work, professionalism and dedication brings honor to the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Ms. Karmyn Norwood for her outstanding service as Vice President for the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions (AMMM) International Programs Line of Business for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Karmyn Norwood and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.