David Koopersmith is named vice president and general manager for Vertical Lift. Koopersmith, currently vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs, AH-64 Apache and AH-6 program manager and senior site executive for The Boeing Company in Mesa, Ariz., succeeds Leanne Caret who was recently appointed vice president and chief financial officer for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Koopersmith will relocate to Boeing’s Vertical Lift headquarters in Philadelphia and will be the company’s senior executive for the site.
In this role, Koopersmith will be responsible to BMA President Shelley Lavender for the growth and execution of a portfolio of cargo, tiltrotor and attack rotorcraft programs, including the AH-64 Apache, H-47 Chinook, AH-6, V-22 Osprey, and SB>1 Defiant.
Kim Smith replaces Koopersmith as vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and AH-64 Apache and AH-6 program manager. Smith will also serve as the company’s senior site executive at Mesa, Ariz. Smith’s replacement as vice president for Environment, Health and Safety with Engineering, Operations & Technology will be named in the future.
Chuck Dabundo is appointed vice president, BMA Engineering and BMA chief engineer, to be based in Philadelphia and report to Phil Dunford, BMA vice president and chief operating executive. Dabundo has served in his current role as vice president, Cargo Helicopters and H-47 program manager since January 2013.
Stephen Parker is promoted to vice president, Cargo Helicopters and H-47 program manager, succeeding Dabundo. Parker will report to Koopersmith and will remain based in Philadelphia where he currently serves as director of International Cargo Helicopter Programs; his replacement in this role will be named in the future.
“These proven Boeing leaders reflect the diversity of experience, skills, background and talent in Boeing leadership ranks,” Lavender said. “Dave, Kim, Chuck and Steve are committed to our customers, dedicated to our people, and focused on our growth, and absolutely the right people for these important leadership positions.”
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 57,000 employees worldwide.
