Raytheon exec to chair Air Force science board

The Air Force has named Heidi Shyu, a Raytheon Co. electrical engineer, to take over its Scientific Advisory Board, an independent group that provides technical advice to the service.

Shyu has been a member of the board since 2000 and has been vice-chairwoman since 2003. She will assume her new role as chairwoman Oct. 1, replacing Daniel Hastings of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Acting secretary of the Air Force Peter Teets made the selection. The White House Liaison Office approves all board appointments.

The service established the board in 1947 as a way for the Air Force to exchange the latest scientific and technical information with the nation's civilian, scientific and engineering communities.

"Ms. Shyu is superbly qualified to lead this board. She has a proven track record of successful leadership and management in technology development programs from the industry perspective," said Lt. Gen. John Corley, military director for the board and principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisitions. "Her expertise in space and airborne systems technology development, especially in radar systems, will make an important contribution to the studies of the board."