WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 9, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)'s John D. Harris II, vice president of Contracts and Supply Chain, is the recipient of the 2010 Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA).

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091103/NE03775 )

Harris was chosen from 150 other government and business applicants for the coveted honor. BEYA recognizes the achievements of diverse leaders and rewards excellence in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

"A strong business leader and role model, John's career has been characterized by tremendous achievement and by a determination to inspire others to reach their full potential," said William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. "His professional accomplishments are matched by a lifelong commitment to community service."

A 26-year veteran with Raytheon, Harris is responsible for the leadership, direction and performance of the company's Contracts and Supply Chain organizations, and for the development and implementation of global supply chain solutions in the service of Raytheon's customers. He is part of the company's senior leadership team, which leads strategic planning and operational management for the company.

He was appointed by Swanson as Raytheon's 2006 Executive Diversity Champion where he led diversity and inclusion efforts throughout the organization. During his two-year term, Harris created the Executive Diversity Leadership team at Raytheon, which continues to act as a liaison between management and employees on issues of diversity.

As an active community supporter, Harris donates his time to organizations like the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, the Executive Leadership Council and Executive Leadership Council Foundation.

"I'm honored to have been selected for this prestigious career achievement," said Harris. "I'm especially proud because this award is also a tribute to Raytheon's unwavering commitment to the important principles espoused by BEYA since its inception 24 years ago."

Harris will receive the award at the BEYA Conference on Feb. 20, 2010, in Baltimore, Md.

Raytheon's Vince Ellerby, Patrick Cook and David Harrington will also be recognized in at a special luncheon during the conference honoring Modern Day Leaders.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

  Contact:
  Corinne Kovalsky
  781-522-5144

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh//NE03775
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Raytheon Company

CONTACT: Corinne Kovalsky of Raytheon Company, +1-781-522-5144

Web Site: www.raytheon.com

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