Operation Homefront Elects Kristie Cunningham to Board

Additional Leadership to Benefit the Families of Service Members

SAN ANTONIO, July 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kristie Cunningham, Vice President for Employee Engagement at BAE Systems, Inc., has been elected to the national Board of Directors of Operation Homefront.

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.

"I am honored to serve on the Board of Operation Homefront," said Kristie Cunningham.  "BAE Systems has supported the troops for several years through Operation Homefront, and our employees chose Operation Homefront as the beneficiary for the BAE Systems Charity Challenge, which includes employee fundraising activities and commitment of time and effort.  This is a worthwhile cause, a worthwhile organization, and a wonderful endeavor for me personally and professionally.  I am committed to helping the families of our service members."

Cunningham is a successful communications professional with 20 years of experience developing and executing high-impact communication strategies that increase understanding of business objectives and drive employee engagement. Prior to joining BAE Systems, she served as director of employee and executive communications for Northrop Grumman Information Technology. Most recently, she was director of communications for Northrop Grumman Defense Systems, where she oversaw executive and employee communications, as well as media relations and marketing communications.

Before joining the defense and aerospace industry, Cunningham spent close to a decade at AOL, where she held several leadership positions to include director of employee communications.  In that role, she successfully spearheaded internal and executive communications for AOL's global workforce.  Later, Cunningham served as senior director for community investment at AOL, overseeing the company's philanthropic initiatives and increasing employee engagement by developing strategic communications plans that encouraged employees to give back to their communities.

"Our Board unanimously and enthusiastically elected Kristie Cunningham," said Jim Knotts, President and CEO of Operation Homefront.  "She understands that the price of peace is paid by the entire military family, and  is committed to helping those who give so much on our behalf.  We look forward to her leadership through our national Board of Directors."

About Operation Homefront:  Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.  A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers across 23 chapters and has met more than 267,000 needs since 2002.  A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, $.95 of every dollar donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs.  For more information about Operation Homefront, please visit http://www.operationhomefront.net.

About BAE Systems: BAE Systems is a global defense, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

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SOURCE Operation Homefront