NASHUA, NH, 23-MAY-00 -- Sanders, a Lockheed Martin Company, has named Aaron Penkacik to a newly created position as Chief Technical Officer. Penkacik assumes responsibility for providing oversight and advocacy to advance Sanders' top technology efforts. The appointment of Sanders' first-ever chief technical officer (CTO) affirms Sanders' technology know-how as the driving force behind its business success, said Walter P. Havenstein, Sanders president. The CTO will ensure that technology advances made at Sanders intersect solidly with our critical business areas, and that advances with significant future potential are nurtured. Penkacik will also develop strategic and operational technical plans that are tied to Sanders' business development strategy and independent research and development activities.

Penkacik will continue to serve as Vice President for Advanced Systems & Technology - a position he has held since 1997. Penkacik joined Sanders in 1997 from Lockheed Martin Electronics and Missiles (E&M) in Orlando, where he was director of Research and Technology. He is also a former director of Advanced Systems for Litton Laser Systems, and previously held key management positions with I-Math Associates and Schwartz Electro-Optics.

He received a bachelor's degree in electronics technology from the University of Central Florida and has done graduate work at the University of Central Florida's Center for Research in Electro-Optics and Lasers.

Sanders is an operating company of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, and a major producer of aircraft self-protection systems and tactical surveillance and intelligence systems for all branches of the armed forces. Other major business areas include microwave, mission and space electronics; infrared imaging; and automated mission planning systems.