Nicole “Nikki” Kodama is the vice president and B-2 Spirit program manager for Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems (NGAS), a premier provider of military aircraft, autonomous systems, aerospace structures and next-generation solutions. In this role, she oversees all areas of the B-2 program, which includes the development, sustainment and modernization of the B-2 aircraft.

Previously, Kodama was the vice president and chief information officer (CIO) for NGAS and led all aspects of implementing innovative IT solutions that deliver value and enable NGAS strategic business initiatives including digital transformation and supporting smart factories of the future. Additionally, she was accountable for the IT, mission and operational excellence, cybersecurity and security strategies in coordination with the Global Operations organization.

Prior to that role, Kodama was the director of capture competitiveness and strategy for a corporate priority capture. She has held various leadership roles in engineering, program management, global supply chain and mission assurance since joining Northrop Grumman as a mechanical engineer in 2002. Her background is in military aircraft production and sustainment, specifically in fuel and hydraulic subsystems.

She is currently the executive co-sponsor for an enterprise-wide program, Women in Science and Engineering, which encourages women to pursue technical career paths. Kodama is also the NGAS sector executive sponsor for the Asian Pacific Professional Network employee resource group.

Kodama graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and earned her master’s in business administration from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. Outside of work, Kodama is active in the community and supports several nonprofit organizations including the Japanese American Community and STEM/STEAM education.