Norman R. Augustine: NACD member since 2000
The first college graduate in his family, Norman R. Augustine received both BSE and MSE degrees from Princeton before moving to the Department of Defense, rising to Undersecretary of the Army. He joined private industry and rose to chairman and CEO at Lockheed Martin. His current and former board service includes ConocoPhillips, Black & Decker, Procter & Gamble, Lockheed Martin, and in the not-for-profit sector, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, MIT, the American Red Cross, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Boy Scouts of America, President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. His hobby is adventure travel; he has stood on both the North and South Poles of the earth.
Norman R. Augustine
Spreading tar on roofs was how I made a living during summers. The only way to get off the roof was getting an education, which I owe to my parents.
I was lucky to begin graduate work in aerospace engineering the week before Sputnik launched.
Playing a tiny role in getting my friends to the moon and back safely was one of the most exciting parts of my career.
The book that influenced me most is The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer. We must always be vigilant. And Shakespeare is my literary passion, particularly Henry V.
My family is the most important thing in my life.
Adventure travel is how I spend much of my free time. I have visited 109 countries. I have never once played golf!
Joining a board is about mental challenge—and contributing. I thought I had seen everything in over 500 Fortune 100 board meetings, but there is always something new to learn.
Shareholders, employees and CEOs each have a voice. Directors perform a critical role in our society, and they too need a voice. That’s NACD.