“An engineering background provides a capability that greatly enables all management functions, especially at executive levels. Witnessing and participating in the team approach to problem solving was rewarding and a tribute to the concept of team problem focus and planning. Plan preparation should receive far more emphasis in engineering education. My hope for the future is that more executives will lead and push development. We are where we are due to individual initiative and vision of great leaders.”
Gary Mitchell completed a bachelor's in aeronautical engineering at Purdue in 1960. He later attended Washington University, where he received an M.S.M.E. (mechanical engineering) in 1967.
Mitchell was Boeing's Vice President Europe Operations (London, England) from 1997-99, responsible for the development of the Boeing Military Aircraft Products Division presence in Europe and coordination with Boeing Commercial Products activities.
From 1960-97, he served in a number of positions with McDonnell Douglas Corp. in St. Louis. He came up through the ranks as engineer, branch manager, director, vice president program manager and finally vice president general manager, with total responsibility for the cost, schedule and quality management execution of the F/A-18 C/D Hornet fighter jet program. This included all international programs and new business acquisition.
He is a member of the Industry Advisory Council of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics.