Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Richard S. Stapp is Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), for Northrop Grumman Corporation, a premier provider of manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems and advanced technologies critical to our nation’s security. Stapp reports to Kathy Warden, Chairman, CEO and President of Northrop Grumman.
In his role as CTO, Stapp, works with the executive leadership team to further the company’s technology strategy and ensures that Northrop Grumman leverages current technology and identifies new solutions to create new business opportunities and strengthen its position on existing programs. Stapp will also drive the development of the company’s technical talent.
Stapp has served with Northrop Grumman for more than six years. Most recently, Stapp served in the Aerospace Sector as the Vice President for Resiliency and Rapid Prototyping, leading the development of new prototype systems and resiliency programs across critical space missions. Prior to that, Stapp served as Vice President of Applied Research & Technology Development for Aerospace Systems.
Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, Stapp was Director, Special Programs, for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His core responsibilities included the governance, acquisition and oversight of Department of Defense (DoD) Special Access Programs (SAP). Additionally, he served as the principal staff assistant to the undersecretary of Defense, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and was the primary DoD liaison to agencies of the executive branch and Congress regarding all SAP matters.
Previously, Stapp served as chairman of the Tri-Service Committee, overseeing the national disclosure policy and transfer/export of technologies crucial to the international community. He established and administered governance of the DoD’s SAP information technology policy, strategy, requirements and execution in coordination with the DoD’s chief information officer.
Stapp holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of New Mexico. He also holds a master’s degree in national resource management from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and completed the Advanced Program Managers Course at Defense Acquisition University. Distinguished honors he received during his esteemed Air Force career include the CIA’s Agency Seal Medal, the Director of National Intelligence Award for Collaboration Leadership; the National Reconnaissance Office’s Silver Medal for Superior Service; and the Air Force Weapons Laboratory’s Outstanding Technical Achiever of the Year Award. Stapp is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and began his Air Force career in research and development and flight test engineering.