Space and Missile Systems Center Executive Honored by Women in Defense

Published Aug. 27, 2014

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- The Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter honored Ms. Joy White, SMC director of contracting, with its Service to the Flag - Government/Military Award at its annual White Party on August 15.

White was recognized by the group for her contracting leadership and her 30 years of dedicated service to our country, serving as a source of inspiration to others. As SMC's director of contracting, White is responsible for more than 600 contracts valued at $60 billion and the career development and training of more than 250 military and civilian contracting professionals.

White began her career at SMC in 1985 as an intern right out of college. She went on to become a contracting officer in the Global Positioning System directorate, and then went on to work for several years in Washington, D.C., first at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and then for the Missile Defense Agency. White came back to SMC in 2008 and has served as director of contracting since then.

SMC Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves said, "Ms. White is an outstanding leader and recognized contracting expert not only throughout the Air Force, but throughout the Department of Defense. Her efforts have helped save American taxpayers billions of dollars, and set the standard for the military and civilian contracting professionals who follow her."

White was one of three women honored at the event, which recognized outstanding leaders in three groups: Government/Military, Industry, and Community. WID-GLAC is the 18th chapter of Women In Defense, and is focused on cultivating and supporting the advancement and recognition of women in all aspects of national security in the Los Angeles, Orange County and surrounding areas. WID-GLAC is a source for networking, professional development, and mentoring with other women leaders in the aerospace and defense industries.

White Award