Mark L. Akey, PhD
Market Development & Technical Incubation
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
6112 Constitution Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(260) 435-4678 - Fax (260) 435-4630
mark.akey@ngc.com
March 24, 2004
Subject: Jon-Michael C. Brook Letter of Recommendation
I have known Jon-Michael (Clay) Brook since 2001. Our professional relationship has spanned two companies. As director for contract R&D initiatives at Raytheon, I assembled an inter-company research team composed of researchers from Hughes Research Labs in Malibu, CA and development engineers from Raytheon in St. Petersburg, FL. Clay took on the roles of team leader, system engineer, and business manager. Within 12 months, 3 patents were filed as a result of the team's success. Clay's team received Raytheon's highest technical achievement award in 2003.
In early 2003, I left Raytheon to take a similar position in the larger Northrop Grumman Company. Clay joined Northrop Grumman in late 2003 and now reports to me. Clay has accepted the challenge to create a new Northrop Grumman business in Information Assurance (IA). He has annual bookings targets, research objectives, and facility/personnel growth goals.
It hardly seems worth noting that Clay has strong technical and business strengths - he is focused & driven yet tempered by experience. Northrop Grumman champions few new business areas. It should be considered a testament that this role and challenge have been created specifically for Clay.
I strongly endorse Clay's participation in the UF MBA program. I have no doubt that he will be at a company's help some day. It would not surprise me to find that company headquartered in Florida.
To benefit the community, as successful MBA program requires a vibrant interchange between its students - to build relationships and networks, to cross-pollinate ideas and business processes, and to form a personal support network anchored to the community that will enable risk taking. Clay will provide a very critical ingredient to the MBA student mix.
Sincerely,
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Mark Akey
