Business POV

As Sr. VP of Human Resources and Administration, Richard Stephens is in charge of attracting, acquiring, retaining and developing talent at Boeing Co. In 2007 alone, the company will have picked up 10,000 people. Here Stephens talks about his role and the company's approach to hiring.

We spoke with Mr. Stephens at the Chicagoland Innovation Summit on October 25.

About the speaker:

Richard (Rick) Stephens is Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration for The Boeing Company. Stephens is responsible for companywide Human Resources and company administration and is a member of the Boeing Executive Council. Stephens was appointed to lead Human Resources and Administration in September, 2005. He previously served as senior vice president of Internal Services and president, Shared Services Group. Prior to these assignments he was vice president and general manager, Integrated Defense Systems Homeland Security and Services.

In a career with Boeing that spans 25 years, he has led a number of businesses, including Space and Communication Services, Reusable Space Systems, Naval Systems and Tactical Systems, submarine combat systems, Space Shuttle, and a number of service and support-related programs. Stephens' honors include the American Indian Science & Engineering Society's 2004 Professional of the Year Award, and the National Management Association Gold, Silver Knight and Excellence in Leadership Awards. In September 2005, he was appointed to the Secretary of Education's Commission on the Future of Higher Education and since 2003, also serves with other American leaders on the Private Sector Senior Advisory Committee of the Department of Homeland Security Advisory Council.

He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, serves as the Boeing executive focal for the University of Southern California and is vice chairman of the Orange County Business Council. Stephens serves on a number of non-profit and business focused boards and has been recognized for his long-standing leadership to local and national organizations regarding the use of science and technology education programs to develop the workforce of the future.

Stephens received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1974 from the University of Southern California and his Master of Science degree in computer science in 1984 from California State University, Fullerton. He has completed the bulk of units necessary to receive a master of business administration from the Claremont Graduate School of Business. Stephens is an enrolled member of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, and served as its chairman from 1988-89. He is also a former U.S. Marine Corps officer.