2011 Alumni Professional Achievement Award Winner
Having risen to executive vice president of aeronautics at Lockheed Martin, Ralph Heath retired in 2012 to great praise of his leadership abilities and steady hand.
Heath graduated from the Tickle College of Engineering in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. After serving nearly four years in the US Army, he received his MBA from the Haslam College of Business in 1975.
Upon completion of his MBA, Heath joined Lockheed Martin and worked his way through the company to become chief operating officer of the Fort Worth division in 1999. Three years later, he became executive vice president of the F-22 Raptor program, and ultimately was named corporate executive vice president—aeronautics in 2005, a role he served in until retirement.
During his time at Lockheed Martin, Heath expanded the F-16 program internationally, revitalized the C-130 program, and oversaw the development and delivery of both the F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft. He is credited with changing the culture of the defense giant, creating a solid foundation for the successful company that continues today.
Heath was named the Nathan W. Dougherty Award winner for 2019, the highest honor given by the Tickle College of Engineering. A strong supporter of UT, he created the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering program and established its initial endowment. He serves on the boards of advisors for the Tickle College of Engineering, the Haslam College of Business, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and Textron Corporation. He is also an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Fellow.
