Government Contractors | Technology | Aerospace 2025: KATHY WARDEN 

After previously serving as its president and chief operating officer, in 2019 Warden was named CEO of Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense companies. No. 68 on Fortune’s 2025 list of the world’s 100 Most Powerful Women, Warden worked for General Dynamics and Veridian before joining Northrop Grumman in 2008.

Ranked No. 380 on the Fortune Global 500 this year, the contractor reported $41 billion in fiscal 2024 revenue, up 4% from 2023. Northrop Grumman employs about 100,000 workers and is building a $200 million-plus plant in Waynesboro that’s expected to open in 2026.
In May, Herndon contractor Serco completed its acquisition of Northrop Grumman’s mission training and satellite ground network communications software business for approximately $327 million.

Northrop Grumman is building the U.S. Air Force’s next generation B-21 Raider stealth aircraft, which is undergoing testing. Lawmakers have approved $4.5 billion to increase production of the aircraft. Unlike other sectors of the federal government, defense contracts have remained largely untouched by Trump administration budget cuts.

A James Madison University alumna, Warden chairs the Greater Washington Partnership board and serves on Merck’s board.

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