John Karas
Fort Myers,FL
Summary
Accomplished executive with extensive leadership experience in managing large-scale multi-billion dollar civil, commercial, and national security space systems. Possessing deep strategic insight, program management skills, and technical expertise, consistently delivering successful outcomes. Demonstrating a proven track record in on-cost and on-schedule program development, excelling in growing sales and orders through strategic business development initiatives. Improved product performance while reducing costs.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy VP and GM of Strategic Missiles and Defense ( SMD )
Lockheed Martin
02.2016 - 10.2017
- Co-lead lead the SMD Line of Business which included Fleet Ballistic Missile, THAAD, and Minuteman reentry systems.
- Executive Capture Manager of GBSD ( Minuteman replacement ) for strategy and investments.
Vice President of Strategy and Business Development
Lockheed Martin
07.2012 - 01.2016
- Growing LM Space Systems Orders across Air Force, Civil, Commercial and Classified Space Markets.
- Lead IRAD, Advanced Program, M&A and International Marketing.
VP and GM Human Space Flight
Lockheed Martin
09.2005 - 07.2012
- Lead all Human Space within LM Corporation, which included Michoud Operations and ET, lead board of directors of USA, Orion spacecraft, and Ares 1/SLS subsystems.
VP Business Development and Analysis
Lockheed Martin
05.2003 - 09.2005
- Lead new business capture across Space Enterprise including strategy, advanced concepts and IRAD activities.
Program VP Atlas and Advanced Space Transportation
Lockheed Martin
04.1997 - 05.2003
- Managed several programs such as Atlas recurring operations, advanced space transportation concepts with and without crew and reusable systems.
- Managed 5 directorates and delivered 5 new launch vehicles and their derivatives and 2 new pads, on cost and on schedule.
Director of Business Development/Advanced Programs
Lockheed Martin
03.1990 - 03.1997
- Lead the Business Development program for the Space division in San Diego and managed the remote site in Huntsville.
- Oversaw the IRAD and Advanced Technology CRAD programs.
Sr Manager Avionics Systems
General Dynamics
10.1978 - 03.1990
- Airborne and ground hardware and software for Atlas I/II, Titan IV and advanced space systems.
- New hire to Sr Manager leading the Shuttle Centaur avionic systems and SIL verification with NASA Centers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, GA09.1978
Skills
- Strategy and new business creation
- Program formulation, design and implementation
- To/through/from space system concepts and architectures
- Technical expertise in systems integration, avionics, proportion, and R&D
- Familiarity with Washington DC environment
Updated
10/18/24
Postretirement
10/2017, 10/2024, Continued to consult for several commercial, Civil, aerospace industrial and National security space entities where he maintains his Security clearances. Currently serves on National Academies ASEB, ULA vehicle certification IRT and Dep Sec AF study on launch rate.
Timeline
Deputy VP and GM of Strategic Missiles and Defense ( SMD )
Lockheed Martin
02.2016 - 10.2017
Vice President of Strategy and Business Development
Lockheed Martin
07.2012 - 01.2016
VP and GM Human Space Flight
Lockheed Martin
09.2005 - 07.2012
VP Business Development and Analysis
Lockheed Martin
05.2003 - 09.2005
Program VP Atlas and Advanced Space Transportation
Lockheed Martin
04.1997 - 05.2003
Director of Business Development/Advanced Programs
Lockheed Martin
03.1990 - 03.1997
Sr Manager Avionics Systems
General Dynamics
10.1978 - 03.1990
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
Georgia Tech