Kelly C. Overman

BSEE’69; MS’75Overman

Much of Kelly Overman’s 35 year career with Westinghouse Defense and Northrop Grumman was in support of national defense, but also included significant efforts in the scientific exploration of space, energy and transportation.  As Vice President and General Manager of Northrop Grumman Systems Development and Technology Division, Kelly was responsible for the profitable growth of a multi-billion dollar enterprise.  Military systems he helped to develop span undersea, surface, land, space and cyber warfare. Under his leadership, programs that secured the future and bridged concept to capability were created, pursued, and successfully executed.

Kelly’s aerospace expertise has resulted in numerous invitations to participate in government sponsored panels and groups including the United States Air Force Advisory Board, USAF Study on Asymmetric Warfare which was constituted after the 9/11 attacks to address terrorism, and the National Security Forum of the Air Warfare College.  He served on the Secretary of the Air Force Special Advisory Group and as company representative to the Aerospace Industries Association. Kelly holds six U.S. patents.

Kelly is a 1969 graduate of the Department of Electrical Engineering and was a constant champion of UA students at Northrop Grumman throughout his tenure with the company.  He has worked personally with the EE department to place Arkansas graduates in the company, several of whom have risen to managerial positions.  Kelly is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Electrical Engineering. 

Although he officially retired in 2004, Kelly still plays an active role in the Aerospace industry as a senior industry consultant and as President of Kelly Overman Inc.  Kelly and his wife, Barbara, reside in Ft. Lauderdale and enjoy traveling and spending as much time as possible on their sailboat.  Kelly has two grown children, Joanna and Kelly II.