Ed Swallow
SVP, Chief Operating Officer, CFO and Treasurer
Aerospace Corporation
Edward M. Swallow has worked across the business spectrum, starting with technical contributor, through program management, line management, strategic development, business development, general management and financial management, culminating in leading the Enterprise Service functions for The Aerospace Corporation. His prior experience includes US Air Force (retired Reserve officer), leadership in small, medium and large for-profit companies and now a non-profit. He has board leadership in STEM education activities and is an Advisory Board member for government agencies and universities.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I have had continuous growth in responsibilities with lateral transfers between functions and roles to expand my knowledge base. A thread throughout my career has been increased responsibility and accountability for delivering customer service excellence.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Surround yourself with people smarter than you, create a strategic plan, and let those smart people execute the plan while you knock down barriers to their success.
With disruption being a key theme of recent years, where do you see the CFO role going in the next 1-2 years?
Leading the digital transformation of all enterprise services.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a CFO?
Know, grow and sow your vision for the future and the strategy to achieve it.
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.
- I am a life-long learner with a strong desire to learn new skills and engage in exciting experiences.
- I spent a year in Greenland above the Arctic Circle and want to go back.
- I have been interested in space and astronomy since I was 3 years old and that has driven all my career choices.
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