By Vicky Falcón
NAVAIR Public Affairs

Three new members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) were honored Monday by Vice Admiral Wally Massenburg, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command. The ceremony, which was held at NAVAIR Headquarters (RADM William A. Moffett Building), Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., was a welcome for new SES members Richard Gilpin, Principal Assistant, Acquisition, Programming and Budget Air Warfare for the Chief of Naval Operations (N783); Karen Holcomb, Director, Strategic Business Operations/Assistant Commander for Corporate Operations, AIR-7.0, and Andrea Brotherton, Executive Director, Counsel, AIR-11A.

Two SES members were also recognized at the ceremony with a Presidential Rank award for exceptional long-term accomplishments. Pamela Aroesty, Assistant Commander for Acquisition and Operations, AIR-1.0 and Diane Townsend, Counsel, AIR-11.0 were both honored with this distinguished award.

“Today is the final culmination of effort in the difficult undertaking of becoming a member of the SES community,” said Massenburg. “The scrutiny is intense for those who are being considered for the available positions. I compare this process to the Flag selection process – it takes an enormous amount of time and is very similar.”

Gilpin was appointed to the SES last July. He recently led the development of the F/A-18 E/F as chief engineer and air vehicle team leader. He also initiated the development of the Electronic Attack variant of the F-18, the EA-18G. Most recently he was the technical director for the E-2 Advanced Hawkeye program. He is a NAVAIR Associate Fellow, has a Masters Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University.

“Rich is a systems engineer by trade,” said Massenburg, adding, “He is often sought out by name because of his talent and reputation for getting the job done right.”

To Gilpin’s wife and three daughters, Massenburg added, “You don’t make SES without commitment to the organization. The hours Rich has spent make Naval Aviation better. We appreciate your support and understanding of his commitment.”

Holcomb was appointed to the SES in April 2004, having risen from an entry-level position with the U.S. Navy in Adak, Alaska. Her 29-year federal career reflects key naval aviation assignments. As the Assistant Commander Corporate Operations, Holcomb serves as the authority and leader of the full array of business operations, such as human capital strategy; military and civilian human resource programs; security; public affairs; business and financial management; and infrastructure business operations. Holcomb has a B.S. in Business Management and an Executive Masters of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

“This selection was a long-time coming,” said Massenburg. “I have total confidence in Karen, not only because she is fair and open-minded, but because she takes care of people and demonstrates an inner calmness in stressful situations. Being (AIR-7.0) is a very difficult job and it takes a lot of time – time away from family – to make the Naval Aviation Enterprise better.”

Brotherton was the most recent appointee to the SES. She comes to NAVAIR from the Naval Sea Systems Command, where she was head of the Systems Section within the Office of Counsel. Brotherton began her Naval career in 1985 when she first joined the Navy Office of the General Counsel. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in biology and political science and received her law degree from the University of Virginia.

“I started my career with NAVAIR,” Brotherton said. “I have many friends and colleagues who are still here and who helped me get here.”

Of the 7000 SES members government wide, less than six percent ever receive the Presidential Rank award. Winners must be strong leaders, professionals and scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service.

Aroesty and Townsend were two of three NAVAIR SES members to receive the award this year. Dr. Karen Higgins, Executive Director, NAWCWD/Director, Research and Engineering, NAWCWD-4.0, will receive her award at a later date.

“This award recognizes tremendous service and contributions to the Navy,” said Massenburg. “I can’t think of two others who better serve us.”

For more information about the Senior Executive Service, contact Diane Spittle at 301-757-7844.