The Wings Club Foundation Announces 2020 Distinguished Achievement Award and Scholarship Grants

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Wings Club Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce that Phebe N. Novakovic, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of General Dynamics Corporation, is the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Achievement Award. The Award has been presented annually since 1975 and recognizes those who have made a lasting contribution to the field of aviation.

This year, the Wings Club is honoring Novakovic with an online celebration. Aviation enthusiasts are invited to the Wings Club’s website, https://bit.ly/3nSf2bb to celebrate her extraordinary career.

Novakovic joined General Dynamics in 2001 and has held various top management positions. Most notably, she served as President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President for Marine Systems, Senior Vice President for Planning and Development, and Vice President for Strategic Planning. She became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Dynamics in January 2013.

Under Novakovic’s leadership, General Dynamic’s Gulfstream Aerospace unit launched the G500 and the G600 aircraft. In February 2020, Gulfstream flew its newest aircraft, the ultra-long-range G700. The company also continues to invest in its aerospace service network and has expanded the use of sustainable fuels.

Before starting her career in the aerospace industry, Novakovic served as the Special Assistant to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1997 to 2001. She also worked for the Office of Management and Budget and the Central Intelligence Agency.

An active member of the community, Novakovic also serves on the boards of Abbott Laboratories, Aerospace Industries Association, Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and The Kennedy Center Corporate Fund. She is also Chairman for Ford's Theatre Society and the Association of the United States Army and is a member of the Business Roundtable.

“On behalf of the Wings Club Board of Governors and the entire membership, we congratulate Phebe and thank her for her contribution, dedication and patriotism,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, President, Wings Club. “She is a true trailblazer, and we could not think of a more worthy recipient for this distinguished award.”

The Wings Club Foundation also announced the presentation of 11 academic scholarships, totaling $162,000. The Wings Club supports educational opportunities for students of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds to foster the advancement and development of the aviation and aerospace workforce, so that it is better represented and equipped to tackle future challenges.

“The Wings Club is proud to be able to maintain its annual scholarship award levels during these difficult times. The scholarships are at the core of the Foundation’s philanthropic mission,” said Kubasik. “The financial support provided can make a life-changing impact by helping college students complete their higher-education journey.”

The Wings Club Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Wings Club Foundation comprises more than 1,200 members including aerospace industry leaders, pilots, professionals in related service organizations, and students of aviation.