General Dynamics Names David K. Heebner Vice President-Strategic Planning - Company Operations

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 22, 1999

General Dynamics Friday announced that retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David K. Heebner will join the company in January 2000 as vice president for strategic planning. He will report to Nicholas D. Chabraja, chairman and chief executive officer. Heebner has been assistant vice chief of staff of the United States Army since July 1997. He is retiring from the Army on December 31, 1999, after a military career of 31 years.

In this newly created position, Heebner will support the CEO and the leaders of General Dynamics' four business groups as they develop, evaluate, select and implement business strategies. He will provide guidance on long- term planning processes through the analysis of industry and economic conditions, domestic and international customer requirements, market characteristics and demands, and technology trends and implications. In addition, he will provide analysis of congressional, Department of Defense and military planning issues with regard to the defense budget process.

"With his deep understanding of military affairs as well as the economic and political issues that influence national security policy, David Heebner will help General Dynamics focus on innovative and efficient solutions to its customers' evolving requirements," said Nicholas D. Chabraja, General Dynamics chairman and CEO. "We are pleased that he has joined the company."

Heebner was born February 15, 1945, and joined the Army in 1967. Prior to serving as assistant vice chief of staff, he had served on the Army staff as director of program analysis and evaluation from 1994 to 1997. Other key assignments included assistant division commander, 2nd Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas; director, Theater Missile Defense, Ballistic Missile Defense Organization; and commander, 10th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in Europe. He served in a variety of overseas assignments, including posts in Korea, Vietnam, Germany and Israel.

Heebner holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute; a master of arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College, and a master of science in operations research and systems analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a trustee of Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 44,000 people and has annualized sales of approximately $10 billion. The company has leading market positions in shipbuilding and marine systems, land and amphibious combat systems, information systems, and business aviation.