KELLY FRANCIS Overseeing Missile Defense Programs

Overseeing Missile Defense Programs

BY SARAH BAHARI

Kelly Francis did not plan to major in mathematics.

She was sitting in an algebra class at Tarleton State University when a professor asked if she’d like to stick around for free pizza and a Math Club meeting.

Free pizza proved too big a lure.

“I left that meeting a math major,” Francis said with a laugh. She graduated from Tarleton in 1999.

Almost 20 years later, Francis heads two high-level missile defense programs at Raytheon, the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle and the Multiple-Object Kill Vehicle.

Kill vehicles destroy long-range ballistic missiles in space. Launched atop missiles, the vehicles use sensors, lenses and rocket thrusters to pick out warheads and steer into their path.

Francis, who lives and works in Tucson, Ariz., is responsible for planning, execution and oversight, including customer communications, budgeting and quality and mission assurance. As program manager, she travels the world meeting with customers, suppliers, engineers and production workers.

“I show up to work every day knowing that what I do helps keep our warfighters and nation safe,” she said. “There is so much pride in what we do here every day. It’s hard not to get out of bed in the morning with a bounce in your step.”

This is Francis’ latest role in a 20-year history with Raytheon, which she joined in 1999. Previous jobs have included systems engineer, operations research analyst and instructor to warfighters.

Tarleton and a math background helped Francis hone her critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills, which she said are key to work for Raytheon, where about 200 people are under her office.

Francis never imagined the places a mathematics degree would lead. She has launched missiles in the desert, climbed aboard a naval ship to integrate a weapon system and briefed senior military leaders in the Pentagon.

“Don’t let the title of your degree limit you,” she advises young people. “Follow your passion. If you find something you enjoy, find a way to pursue it. And go on lots of adventures. You should be having fun.”

“I show up to work every day knowing that what I do helps keep our warfighters and nation safe. There is so much pride in what we do here every day. It’s hard not to get out of bed in the morning with a bounce in your step.”

Kelly Francis