MCLEAN, Va., July 12, 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has appointed Jim Kane as vice president and program manager for the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) program, effective Sept 19.

In this role, Kane will be responsible for the company's overall program management of the Information Technology Infrastructure Partnership between Northrop Grumman and the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is overseen by VITA. This landmark public-private venture is modernizing the state executive branch's IT infrastructure, and providing resources and expertise to improve the delivery of services.

"Jim is a recognized technologist and leader in program management, IT support systems, and infrastructure, manufacturing and engineering solutions," said Linda Mills, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "His technical and program management expertise will help further the Commonwealth's modern and robust infrastructure."

"I am pleased to welcome Jim Kane to our program," said Sam Nixon, chief information officer of the Commonwealth. "His experience as a CIO and in-depth information technology background will benefit the Commonwealth as we continue to work together to enable the business of government. We look forward to working with Jim and welcome him and his wife back to Virginia."

Kane replaces Sam Abbate, who played an important role in VITA's IT modernization efforts.

"Sam Abbate's work on the program has been instrumental to our continuing progress on transforming the Commonwealth's information technology infrastructure," Nixon said. "We've enjoyed working with Sam and appreciate the passion and commitment that he's brought to the program. The unique talents and leadership that Sam contributed over the last two years with VITA garnered him much respect from all who worked with him."

Most recently, Kane was Northrop Grumman's director of Information Technology Services on the U.S. Missile Defense Agency Joint National Integration Center Research and Development Contract program where he was responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the program's IT organization.

During his 17-year career with Northrop Grumman, Kane has served in a variety of management positions including roles as chief information officer and manager of information systems.

Kane earned a bachelor's degree from National-Louis University, Chicago, and attended executive leadership programs at the Harvard University Law School, the University of Chicago and Babson College. He was also the recipient of the "2008 CIO Ones to Watch" award from CIO Magazine and the CIO Executive Council, and was a member of the CIO Executive Council, supporting worldwide IT initiatives and improvements.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information. 

  CONTACT: Christy Whitman
         (571) 213-5302
         christine.whitman@ngc.com