Boeing

The Boeing Company has announced the appointment of Dr.Thad Sandford as vice president, engineering at its Space and Communications (S&C) Group in Seal Beach. Sandford, who will be responsible for technical excellence throughout the $7-billion, 34,000-person S&C organization, succeeds Ron Duncan, who has announced his intention to retire after 33 years of company service.

In his new position, Sandford will oversee the S&C Engineering Council and will provide executive management of the engineering process development program, establishment of engineering best practices, oversight of engineering skills development and staffing processes, and ensuring engineering execution across Boeing's fastest-growing business group. In addition, Sandford will continue his responsibilities as Phantom Works Site Leader for Southern California to ensure a seamless leveraging of Phantom Works assets in support of all Boeing businesses in Southern California.

"We are delighted to have Thad at the engineering helm, serving as the guiding force for Phantom Works activities across both S&C and Boeing's Military Aircraft & Missiles Group," said Jim Albaugh, president, Boeing S&C. "Thad's diversified technical background, as well as his in-depth understanding of Boeing's advanced technology activities, will be a great asset."

Prior to accepting his new position, Sandford was the general manager for engineering and Phantom Works site leader at the Boeing Long Beach facility. Following 26 years in the Air Force, Sandford joined the Company in 1989 and has held a series of high-level positions involving engineering and advanced technology research. These previous positions within the Rockwell North American Aircraft Division included, Vice President for Engineering and Advanced Development, program director for X-33 and Reusable Launch Vehicle programs, division director for Engineering and Advanced Systems, director of the X-30 National Aerospace Plane program, and director of Hypersonic Systems Technology.