A GREATER TRAJECTORY
Marillyn Hewson is a Catalyst for Progress and Innovation
For every legend, there is a beginning. Titan of industry Marillyn Hewson launched her extraordinary leadership journey from The University of Alabama, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in economics.
Hewson has been named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, CEO of the Year by Chief Executive magazine and recognized as Fortune magazine’s leading lady in its 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. Not once, but twice.
“I am deeply thankful for the strong business education I received at The University of Alabama,” Hewson said.
It was here that she laid the groundwork for a career that would later shape the future of aerospace and defense.
At The University of Alabama, not only did Hewson attain two degrees that set the foundation for her success, she also met her husband and the two were married on campus at the Gorgas House.
“For my husband James and I, The University of Alabama is where everything started for us,” said Hewson. “And because of that we view that as the basis for our professional successes as well as our personal success as a family.”
After Tuscaloosa, the couple moved to Washington D.C. where UA faculty pointed Hewson to her first job as an economist for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Her interest in the defense industry led her to a position as senior industrial engineer at Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin, a global aerospace, advanced technology, defense and security company with a net worth of over $112 billion.
“Building on my business background and my great education from the University allowed me then to move up through the organization at Lockheed.”
She carved a leadership path within Lockheed Martin, rising through the ranks to become its chairman, president and CEO.
“What was important to me was to do the best I could on today’s job, but when there were opportunities for training, to serve on special assignments I would assess that along with my family and make those choices to get out of my comfort zone to build on my experience,” said Hewson. “That’s what I often tell students and young people. Look for ways that you continue to build on your collection of experiences, broaden your base of expertise so that you can continue to grow.”
At Lockheed Martin, Hewson led profound technological change, improved STEM education nationally, grew the nation’s highly skilled workforce and improved diversity in the technology industry during her nearly 40-year career.
Her impact transcends boardrooms. As a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a member of both the Trilateral Commission and the Council on Foreign Relations, Hewson’s dedication to public service is unwavering. That dedication is further underscored by her involvement with various U.S. government advisory bodies, public company boards and charitable organizations.
“When I face a new problem, it may be a new problem, but I can draw on a collection of experiences to address that problem or opportunity.”
As a champion for education, her commitment to academia is also evident through roles on The University of Alabama’s President’s Cabinet and the Culverhouse College of Business Board of Visitors.
She remains grateful for the strong business education she received at the University, a sentiment echoed in a $15 million gift toward the construction in 2021 of a new building for UA’s College of Business that bears her family name.
“The Culverhouse College has a very robust network across the world, very generous alumni who understand how important it is, like James and I do, to give back to the institution that launched their careers,” said Hewson.
The couple’s generous gift followed a $5 million donation made in 2017 to support innovation and education in data analytics and cybersecurity through professorships, fellowships, scholarships, and an on-campus computing and collaboration center.
“At The University of Alabama there are so many opportunities to get engaged in a range of things,” said Hewson, encouraging students to broaden their experiences. “Look for ways that you can build that collection of experiences and get out of your comfort zone.”
