Harry C. Stonecipher

Harry C. Stonecipher’s career in the aerospace field spans more than 47 years, from his start at General Motors as a senior lab technician to being elected vice chairman of The Boeing Company in May 2001. Stonecipher received an honorary doctor of science degree in 2002.

After graduating with a physics degree from Tennessee Technological University Stonecipher started his career at General Motors. In 1960, he joined General Electric’s Evendale Aircraft Engine Product Operations, where GE produces large jet engines.

During his career at GE, Stonecipher participated in the development, support, sale and introduction of a number of engines for civilian and military application.

Stonecipher left GE in 1987 to become corporate executive vice president of Sundstrand, a worldwide market leader in the design and manufacture of technology-based products for aerospace and industrial markets.

In September 1994, Stonecipher was elected president and chief executive officer of McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis. McDonnell Douglas’ financial performance soared under Stonecipher, with the stock increasing from $18.48 just prior to his arrival to more than $70 just before the consummation of a merger with Boeing in August 1997.

Among his many awards, Stonecipher received in 1996 the John R. Allison Award for outstanding contributions to national defense by an industrial leader and the annual Rear Admiral John J. Bergen Leadership Medal for Industry from the Navy League for his contributions to advancements in military aviation.