For over 50 years, Michael Ciminera played an integral role at Grumman and Northrop. Beginning as a college apprentice for Grumman at the age of 17, he became a Vice President managing such areas as Advanced Programs, Systems Group, Electronic Systems, JPATS, F-18A/B/C/D Hornet program, and Joint STARS. In 2000, he became a Sector Consultant for Northrop Grumman where he provided technical and program management oversight of programs including Fire Scout, UCAS, and the X-47B. Mike continues to lecture, write, and serve on several boards, including as Chair of the Leadership Council of the School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; president of the Western Museum of Flight, Torrance, CA; and a member of the COA (Christian Outreach in Action) Board, a non-denominational center in Long Beach, CA that cares for those in need.