Donald Winter served as the Secretary of the Navy from January 2006 until March 13, 2009. Winter earned a bachelor’s degree (with highest distinction) in physics from the University of Rochester in 1969. He received a master’s degree and a doctorate in physics from the University of Michigan in 1970 and 1972, respectively.

 

Winter began his career at TRW in 1972 as a member of the company’s systems group research staff. He spent the next eight years directing research and development activities in laser physics and applications. From 1980 to 1982, he was with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as program manager for space acquisition, tracking and pointing programs.

 

He then rejoined TRW, serving as vice president and general manager of the defense systems division; vice president and deputy general manager for group development of TRW’s Space & Electronics business; and as president and CEO of TRW Systems.

 

Winter went to work for Northrup Grumman as its corporate vice president and then as president of the company’s mission systems sector. Winter also served on the company’s corporate policy council. In 2002, he was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering.