Defense technology
10 defense program management experts
These ten professionals have led defense programs at defense companies, in roles ranging from program manager to program director and vice president of program management. A reader can learn how defense programs are run against cost, schedule and customer commitments.
Professionals to explore
01—10George Nungesser
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Program Management - Ingalls Shipbuilding · Ingalls Shipbuilding, a Division of HII
Vice President Program Management - Ingalls Shipbuilding at Ingalls Shipbuilding, a Division of HII since 2021, and former Program Manager, DDG 51 Programs and Ingalls Fleet Support Services there (1988–2025). The profile describes being accountable for the safety, quality, cost and schedule of the DDG 51 AEGIS Destroyers and delivering DDG 103, 105, 107, 110, 113 and 114 to the United States Navy.
Jessica Brilhart, MBA
LinkedInExperience: Senior Program Manager of Littoral Combat Ship Program · Lockheed Martin
Former Senior Program Manager of Littoral Combat Ship Program at Lockheed Martin (2021–2022) and Director of Combatant Ship Programs there (2024–2026). Director, Next Generation Missile Defense Radars at Lockheed Martin since 2026. The profile describes DoD industry experience mostly in program management roles and capture management leadership on multi-billion dollar programs.
Jessica Joses
LinkedInExperience: RQ-4 Program Manager 2 · Northrop Grumman
Former RQ-4 Program Manager 2 at Northrop Grumman (2024–2026), and RQ-4 Enterprise Product Support IPT Lead, Program Manager 3 there since 2026. The profile describes a Prime Contract Program Manager role leading UAS RQ-4 Global Hawk systems, accountable for full Profit & Loss (P&L) execution. Former Mine Warfare (MIW) Staff Officer & (BW) Operations Manager in the US Navy (2019–2022).
Jessie Polanco
LinkedInExperience: DeepFires Program Manager · Raytheon
DeepFires Program Manager at Raytheon since 2025, and former DeepStrike Launcher and Rocket Program Manager at Raytheon (2023–2026) and Weapons Development Lead at RTX (2013–2026). The profile describes developing, integrating and delivering advanced weapon systems across the product lifecycle, from early concept development and systems engineering through production, platform integration and live-fire demonstrations.
Jim Bryan
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Integrated Air and Missile Defense · Boeing
Vice President, Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Boeing since 2026, where the profile says he leads Boeing and subcontractors in the design, integration, test and sustainment of PAC-3, SM-3 and Avenger component and product lines. Former Director, Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) at Boeing Defense, Space & Security (2023–2026), Director, Ground Based Interceptor (2020–2023) and Manager, Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) Program (2008–2017) at Boeing.
Julie Pecson
LinkedInExperience: Program Management Director Engineering Director - Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) · Lockheed Martin
Former Program Management Director Engineering Director - Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) at Lockheed Martin (2011–2015) and Program Subcontract Management Director there (2009–2011). Director Program Management at Lockheed Martin since 2018, a role the profile ties to shaping Missile Defense pursuits. Former Program Management Director at Planet (2015–2018).
Mark Orton PMP MS
LinkedInExperience: Missile Defense Program Director · Aerojet Rocketdyne
Missile Defense Program Director at Aerojet Rocketdyne since 2025, a role the profile also lists under L3Harris Technologies. Former Enterprise Director at L3Harris Technologies (2022–2025) and Vice President and General Manager at Metrea (2021–2022).
Mary Keifer
LinkedInExperience: Program Management Director, Aegis International · Lockheed Martin
Former Program Management Director, Aegis International at Lockheed Martin (2015–2023). Former Program Director, Aegis In Service and Fleet Readiness (2011–2015) and Program Director International Aegis BMD (2010–2012) at Lockheed Martin. The profile lists the person as a retired Program Director at Lockheed Martin since 2023.
Mike Blessinger, PMP
LinkedInExperience: SR Program Manager, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter ACMI System · Leonardo DRS
Former SR Program Manager, F-35 Joint Strike Fighter ACMI System at Leonardo DRS (2014–2018 and 2018–2024) and Product Line Leader Principle Program Manager there (2024–2026). Vice President of Program Management at Stark Aerospace since 2026. The profile describes program management and business experience on multi-million-dollar defense and commercial programs through all phases of the product life cycle.
Roxanne Briggs-Mueller
LinkedInExperience: F-35 JSF SDD Program Manager · Raytheon
F-35 JSF SDD Program Manager at Raytheon since 2008, and former Special Programs Program Manager at Raytheon (2003–2008). The profile describes a Raytheon SAS Tier 3 Program Manager, EV Tier 2 certified, managing and controlling cost, schedule and resource allocations within contract requirements on major acquisition and sustainment programs.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's program phase to yours, since development programs, production lines and sustainment contracts raise different problems. Also consider whether you need someone who ran a single program day to day or someone who oversaw a portfolio of programs and the profit and loss behind them.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you build and hold a program baseline for cost and schedule, and what early signs tell you it is slipping?
- 02How do you manage the relationship with the government program office when requirements or funding change?
- 03How do you keep subcontractors and suppliers on schedule on a defense program?
Reaching defense program management experts
How can I contact one of these defense program management experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 7 companies, including Ingalls Shipbuilding, a Division of HII; Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach defense program management experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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