James M. Zortman

James M. (“Jim”) Zortman is sector vice president, Global Logistics and Operational Support, for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (AS), a premier provider of manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems and advanced technologies critical to our nation’s security. Supporting sector strategy of “design anywhere, build anywhere, support anywhere,” Zortman provides sector-level leadership of the full spectrum of logistics and product support functions. He is responsible for ensuring that the same excellence represented in design and production at AS is fully realized in anticipation and fulfillment of product support requirements. Zortman joined Northrop Grumman in January 2008 following a career in the U.S. Navy, where he attained the rank of vice admiral. He served as commander Naval Air Forces and chief executive officer, Naval Aviation Enterprise. In this role, he led a combined team of more than 180,000 military, government, civilian and contractor personnel responsible for operations, readiness and full life cycle management of 3,800 aircraft and 12 aircraft carriers. His other assignments include commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet; commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet; commander, Task Force Fifty; commander, John C. Stennis Battle Group; director, Operations and Politico-Military Affairs; and executive officer to the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He earned the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (four), the Bronze Star and the Air Medal. Zortman presently serves on the board of trustees of the National Museum of Naval Aviation and the board of United Through Reading. He also serves on the executive committee of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. Zortman earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and completed a fellowship with the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group at the Naval War College. In addition, he completed courses in executive business and strategic planning at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and the University of North Carolina Business School at Chapel Hill. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.