David A. Abbett
Dave Abbett is the Director for Strategy Development & Integration for Aeronautics. In the role, Mr.
Abbett is responsible for the development of the annual Strategic Plan for Aeronautics. In addition, he is
responsible for Positioning-To-Win (PTW), Domestic & Foreign Budget Analysis & Projections,
Domestic & Foreign Force Structure Analysis & Projections, Competitor Intelligence & Cost Modeling,
Site Strategic Plans, and representing Aeronautics in Corporate Joint Strategic Business Reviews (SBRs).
Mr. Abbett previously served as Director for F-35 Mate through Delivery where he was responsible for
the initial factory rollouts for all three type/variants of the F-35 during the development SDD phase of the
program. Prior to joining the Strategic Planning and F-35 Teams, he led the Production Operations
Strategy & Integration Team, directed the reconfiguration of the F-16 Component & Final Assembly Line
in preparation for the JSF F-35 program, as well as performing other functions within Operations as the
Aeronautics Company transitioned from the post F-35 contract award.
He began his career in the Automotive Industry in 1985 as a member of the General Motors Team that
Green-Field launched the Wentzville, Mo Assembly plant. He held numerous Operations leadership
positions through his 13 years in the Automotive Industry with GM and two of the largest Tier-1 providers
to the OEMs. While supporting the Toyota facility in Georgetown, KY, Mr. Abbett had the honor to
receive hands on training in the Toyota Production System (TPS) under the guidance of Mr. Hajime Ohba
and his Toyota Supplier Support Center organization.
His introduction to the Aerospace Industry began in 1998, when he was recruited by the Northrop
Grumman in ISS Sector for his knowledge of the Toyota Production System, Lean Manufacturing
techniques, and Strategic Planning capabilities. It is during this time where he developed his Long Range
Strategic Planning background within the Aerospace Industry.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and an MBA in International Business
from American Intercontinental University. Mr Abbett brings the unique career perspective of 27 years of
experience within two very different industries to his duties for Lockheed Martin.
Kim Butler
Kim Butler is F-16/F-2/T-50 Program Operations Senior Manager. In this role, Ms. Butler
serves as the overall Program Integrator managing the Program’s tempo and regular
program reviews. Her specific duties include, but are not limited to, coordinating
Corporate / Aero / customer audits; coordinating continuous improvement strategic
initiatives; and, directing build integration, asset management, & export licensing support
for the Program.
Kim has more than 20 years of systems engineering experience in the aerospace industry,
including roles in program management, audit compliance, aircraft system design, and
integration testing. Previously, Kim served as the F-16 Avionic System Level Test
Manager and Control Account Manager for USAF/EPAF Programs, Taiwan and Poland.
Other assignments include: System Design Manager on JSF for the Mission Systems team
& Interface Lead on F-16 Block60.
Ms. Butler began her career with then General Dynamics as a co-op in the Avionics
Department in Fort Worth, Texas in 1987. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree
from Alcorn State University in 1989, and an MBA in Engineering & Supply Management
from the University of Dallas in 2004.
In 2010, Ms. Butler received a Lockheed Martin Aero Star Award for her Earned Value
Management System (EVMS) special assignment.
Karen Hagar
Karen Hagar has been the executive administrative assistant to Joe W. Stout, director of
communications, for the past 20 years. She began working at Lockheed Martin October
1987 with continued service for 23 ½ years.
Ms. Hagar served in the mid 1990’s as the VP of Programs for the leadership association
as well as served on the Board of Directors. She was selected as the member of the year in
1995. In 2008, Ms. Hagar was selected for the Heart of Diversity individual award.
Currently Ms. Hagar is involved in Toastmaster’s International. Just recently she was
selected as the District 25 outstanding Vice President of Education. She has been selected
to serve as the 2011/2012 District 25 Area Governor. Also, Ms. Hagar is the company
ambassador for the Elderly Care Giving Sessions that are held bi- monthly at the Fort
Worth site.
Karen has been married for 40 years. She has a daughter and two grandchildren. She loves
to spend time with her family and ride bicycles and motorcycles.
Mary Ann Horter
Deputy Vice President, F-22 Sustainment
Lockheed Martin
Mary Ann Horter is the Deputy Vice President for F-22 Sustainment. In this role, she is responsible for
leading the contractor team in providing support to the F-22 fleet and serves as the F-22 Fleet Manager
responsible for developing an integrated plan to maximize F-22 fleet availability, capability and
affordability.
Ms. Horter began her career with General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin in 1983 working on the F-16
Program. Early in her F-16 career, she gained experience in engineering design, quality assurance,
proposal development, configuration management, and project management.
Throughout her 28 year career, Mary Ann has been a member of LMLA and held numerous leadership
positions across the company. She served as F-22 Mid-Fuselage IPT Manager, JSF Virtual Product
Development Initiative (VPDI) Program Manager, Engineering Core Processes & Tools Director,
Aeronautics Strategic Planning Director, and F-22 Technical Products and Services Program Director.
Mary Ann also served on the LMLA board from July 2004-2007.
Mary Ann received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M
University and her Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from Southern Methodist
University. She is a three-time recipient of the Corporate Nova Award for Teamwork.
Mark A. Middlebrook
Mark Middlebrook is the Business Operations Director for F-35 System Development and Demonstration
(SDD) Programs. In this role, Mark is responsible for overall execution of Business Management related
activities for development programs.
Prior to his current assignment, Mr. Middlebrook served as the Business Manager for the F-16 UAE Block
60 Program, responsible for all Business Management related activities for the Commercial Fixed Price
Development and Production Program.
Since joining the Company in 1983, Mark has held increasing leadership roles for the Advanced
Development, F-16, A-12, F-22, and F-35 Programs beginning in Engineering Administration and later in
the Business Management Organization.
Mr. Middlebrook received his BBA in Business Management from the University of Texas at Austin in
1983. He and his wife Shari have two daughters, Alexandra and Kathryn.
Becky Shannon
Becky Shannon is a Staff Chemist in Quality where she has resided for 18 years. Prior to that, she worked
in the Engineering Integrated Circuits Laboratory and System Integration Laboratory for 8 years. She
began working for General Dynamic in November 1985 and began a long association with the LMLA
shortly thereafter.
Ms Shannon served LMLA as a volunteer for Community Activities, working at Jazz Fest, Main Street
Arts Festival, Oktoberfest and the Junior Achievement as a mentor at all levels and a team captain and
member for the bowl-a-thon. She served as Manager of Finance for 2 years and taught Professional
Development classes for 6 years. As Vice President of Professional Development for 6 years, she added
new classes, coordinated 2nd shift and lunch classes, and introduced the Project Management Preparatory
class to LMLA members and LM Aero employees. She has several certifications including LM21 Green
Belt, Certified Manager, Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence, and Project Management
Professional.
Becky lives on 8 acres north of Granbury with her mother, nephew, 2 dogs, 5 cats, 2 horses, 3 miniature
donkeys and one miniature mule, Zeus. When not teaching students or training miniatures she enjoys
taking motorcycle trips with family and friends and taking her mother on vacation.