Joe Lombardo

In June of 2015, Joe Lombardo retired from his position as executive vice president of the General Dynamics aerospace group, which includes Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and Jet Aviation.

He has led an eventful, nearly 40-year career in aerospace that began at Douglas Aircraft in 1975 and which has spanned leadership roles in production and material control, planning and manufacturing. In 1996, Lombardo joined Gulfstream as vice president of co-production, where he was involved in the successful ramp-up and dual production of the Gulfstream IV-SP and Gulfstream V. He later was named the company’s chief operating officer, with responsibility for the cost, quality and schedule of manufactured products. From 2007 until 2011 he served as president of Gulfstream.

Notably, in 2012 he was awarded the Cliff Henderson Trophy by the National Aeronautic Association for making a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States.

A past member of several non-profit boards, including Corporate Angel Network, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the National Aeronautic Association, he also served as chairman of the board of governors for the Ocean Exchange. In retirement he serves as a member of the board for the Fred and Susan Breidenbach Scholarship Program, as well as a volunteer in a number of activities at his church.

In 1984, Lombardo received a master's degree in business administration from California State University Long Beach. He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from San Diego State University in 1971, followed by four years as a volunteer with the Peace Corps.