Dr. Laura Hooks
Vice President and General Manager, Maritime & Strategic Systems, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Dr. Laura Hooks believes the lessons learned during the pandemic have helped the company to grow its business by developing employees, strengthening its culture and ensuring successful customer missions.
Having to adapt to a new reality during an incredibly difficult time for not just the country, but the world highlighted the innovation and ingenuity that have been a hallmark of General Dynamics Mission Systems’ culture for years.
“There was no rule book, but as a leader, my team and I relied upon the successes of our past, as well as the agility and flexibility of our workforce to figure out new ways to work effectively through many constraints,” Hooks said. “The trust in our culture to continues to grow, allowing us to deliver technologies and capabilities that our sailors, marines and airmen need to keep our nation and our allies safe.”
Hooks ensured the right people were in the right positions and that the core business foundation was capable of executing and growing during a time of tremendous change and challenge. With the right team of people and the right leadership expectations, she truly believes anything is possible.
“Dr. Hooks is a brilliant and proven leader of our Maritime and Strategic Systems business,” said Chris Brady, president of General Dynamics Mission Systems. “Her strong technical acumen, commitment to the mission and ‘people first’ mindset have contributed to her track record of success in many leadership roles within General Dynamics. I’m confident she will continue to capably lead this vital business well into the future.”
Why Watch
Hooks believes people are the key to organizational excellence. Employees are the critical ingredient that makes it possible to accomplish amazing things and support customers’ missions. The success of the missions of strategic deterrence, unmanned operations, sensing and surveilling across multiple domains, and emergency medical ship capability depend on the dedication of thousands of employees.
Valuing every employee by practicing servant leadership and promoting diversity and inclusion is important for driving a culture of commitment and ensuring diverse perspectives are included in every solution the organization produces.