Dr. Laura Hooks is the vice president of the strategic systems business area within the Maritime & Strategic Systems business of General Dynamics Mission Systems. Strategic systems provides strategic warfare systems solutions to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.
Dr. Hooks oversees and manages the execution of multi-discipline design and production teams for the launch control system of submarine launched nuclear ballistic missiles. General Dynamics Mission Systems has integrated and modernized this system for more than 60 years. Dr. Hooks’ portfolio also includes weapon system security solutions, guidance, navigation and electronic systems production and repair, and high assurance communications. Similar work is performed for the United States Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile strategic deterrent. Dr. Hooks provides leadership for more than 1200 employees across a variety of programs.
Previously Dr. Hooks served as the director of engineering at General Dynamics Electric Boat for the Integrated Product Development Environment (IPDE) program. She was responsible for development, and implementation of a model based environment to design, build and sustain the Columbia and Virginia class submarine programs. Dr. Hooks also served as director of engineering, Waterfront, where she was responsible for construction support of all new construction and overhaul and repair submarines in the shipyard. Prior to that, Dr. Hooks was the director of engineering, Combat and Weapon Systems responsible for all of the Non Propulsion Electronic Systems across all classes of submarines and the Strategic Weapon Support Systems (SWSS) for Ohio and Columbia class submarines.
Prior to working at Electric Boat, Dr. Hooks served as director of engineering for Mission Integration Systems at General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems where she was responsible for leading an organization of more than 1500 engineers covering submarine and surface Navy command and control systems. Dr. Hooks led the General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems engineering council setting the strategic vision for more than 4000 engineers. She also participated in the General Dynamics Corporate Engineering Council throughout her career as director of engineering providing thought leadership on innovation and best practices across the corporation.
Dr. Hooks holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from State University of New York at Buffalo and a master’s of science and doctor of philosophy degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She was recognized as the Large Business Innovation and Leadership Woman of Innovation in 2014 by the Connecticut Technology Council and holds two patents.