Date posted: 11/04/2009*

Harris named Black Engineer of the Year; Three Raytheon employees receive Modern Day Technology Leader recognition

John D. Harris, vice president of Contracts and Supply Chain, has been honored with the prestigious 2010 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA). Harris was chosen from 150 other government and business applicants for the coveted honor. BEYA recognizes the achievements of diverse leaders and rewards excellence in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This is the first time a Raytheon employee has received this honor.

Swanson: Harris Inspires Others to Reach Their Full Potential

“A strong business leader and role model, John’s career has been characterized by tremendous achievement and by a determination to inspire others to reach their full potential,” said William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. “His professional accomplishments are matched by a lifelong commitment to community service.”

Harris began his career at Raytheon 26 years ago in its Leadership Development Program. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held several key positions within the company. Today, Harris is responsible for the leadership, direction and performance of the company’s Contracts and Supply Chain organizations and for the development and implementation of global supply chain solutions.

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Harris Was Raytheon's Voice of Diversity and Inclusion

Harris served as Raytheon’s Executive Diversity Champion from 2006-2008. As Champion, a two-year rotational assignment appointed by Swanson, Harris was the voice of diversity and inclusion at Raytheon, speaking to both internal and external audiences about the company’s diversity vision. Harris’s background and global perspective were key success factors in raising awareness of the importance of diversity, inclusion and respect at Raytheon, positively impacting the work environment for employees, customers and suppliers. During his tenure, Raytheon received multiple recognitions, including “Best Diversity Company” by Diversity/Careers in Engineering and Information Technology and a Top Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities honor by BusinessDiversity.com.

Harris also created the Executive Diversity Leadership Team (EDLT) at Raytheon. The EDLT provides accountability for diversity at the most senior level of the company. This executive leadership team collaborates with the Raytheon Diversity Council to provide leadership, direction and sponsorship of diversity strategy, programs and projects across the enterprise.

As an active community supporter, Harris donates his time to organizations like the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, the Executive Leadership Council and Executive Leadership Council Foundation.

“I’m honored to have been selected for this prestigious career achievement," said Harris. "I’m especially proud because this award also serves as a tribute to Raytheon’s commitment to the important principles championed by BEYA since its inception 24 years ago."

Harris will receive the award at the BEYA Conference on Feb. 20, 2010, in Baltimore, Md.

Additional Raytheon Recognition

Raytheon’s Vince Ellerby and Patrick Cook (Intelligence and Information Systems) and David Harrington (Space and Airborne Systems) have been named Modern Day Technology Leaders. This category recognizes up-and-coming women and men who are shaping the future of engineering, science, and technology. They will be honored at a special event during the BEYA Conference.