Previously With Sikorsky Aircraft As VP For Corporate Strategy And Synergy

Aurora Flight Sciences has appointed Mark C. Cherry as president and Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective October 1, 2012. Mark succeeds John S. Langford, the company's founder, who will continue as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mark joins Aurora from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation where he was Vice President for Corporate Strategy and Synergy. He previously served as Vice President of Marine Corps Systems where he was responsible for the CH-53K development program and the sustainment of Presidential aircraft. Mark holds degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy and master degrees from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He is also a graduate of Stanford University's MBA program.

"Aurora is undergoing tremendous growth as we drive to introduce our Orion, Skate, and Centaur robotic aircraft, and to perform as an outstanding supplier on programs such as Global Hawk, Triton, the CH-53K, and the S-97," said Langford. "Mark's experience with our two largest customers -- the US Air Force and Sikorsky Aircraft -- makes him an ideal person to lead Aurora in its next stage of growth."

FMI: www.aurora.aero