Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy Recipient to be Robert J. Stevens
The National Aeronautics Association’s recipient of the 2012 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy this Friday will be Robert J. Stevens, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Lockheed Martin Corporation. Stevens has a long career of military service and civilian leadership in the aerospace industry that has contributed significantly to the security of the United States and helped advance technology in civil aviation, air traffic control systems, satellite communications, and interplanetary exploration.
Stevens has led Lockheed Martin since 2004. Prior to that, he held positions of increasing responsibility within the company to include President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and head of Strategic Planning. Under his direction, Lockheed Martin’s impact on the United States’ aerospace industry has been wide-ranging and unparalleled to include the introduction or continued development of military aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, C-130J, and C-5M along with civilian programs like the En Route Automation Modernization program (ERAM) and Flight Services for the 21st Century (FS21).
NAA Chairman Walter Boyne, a member of the Selection Committee, praised the choice. “The impact that Lockheed Martin has made in our nation’s aerospace industry under Mr. Stevens’ leadership has been remarkable,” Boyne said. “His leadership both within his company as well as our nation’s defense community makes him a most worthy recipient of this award.” 
“For 64 years, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy has been bestowed upon some of the most historic aviation leaders in the world,” said NAA President and CEO Jonathan Gaffney, who chaired the Selection Committee. “Mr. Stevens follows in the footsteps of some amazing people – from Charles Lindbergh and Lieutenant General James Doolittle to Herb Kelleher and Neil Armstrong – who have received this most cherished award.” NAA established this award in 1948 to honor the memory of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The trophy is awarded annually to a living American for significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States.