Executive Biography of John M. Richardson
John M. Richardson
31st Chief of Naval Operations; Former Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, U.S. Navy
Boeing director since: 2019
Professional highlights:
- 31st Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy (2015-2019)
- Former Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, U.S. Navy (2012-2015)
Independent: Yes
Other current public company directorships:
- BWX Technologies, Inc.
- Constellation Energy Corporation
Admiral Richardson brings deep expertise in safety, regulation, cybersecurity and oversight of complex, high-risk systems, as well as extensive crisis management and national security experience. During his 37 years of service in the U.S. Navy, Admiral Richardson served as the Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, a joint activity of the Navy and Department of Energy, serving the Navy and as Deputy Administrator in the National Nuclear Security Administration. In this capacity, he exercised all responsibilities, including applicable regulatory compliance over related facilities, radiological controls, environmental safety and health matters, oversight of cybersecurity issues, as well as selection, training and assignment of personnel supporting over 100 nuclear power plants operating on nuclear-powered warships around the world. Operationally, Admiral Richardson brings extensive experience managing operations of a diverse team on a global basis. He commanded the submarine USS Honolulu and served as naval aide to the President of the United States. As Chief of Naval Operations, he was responsible for the management of 600,000 sailors and civilians, 290 warships and over 2,000 aircraft worldwide. As a result of his safety and operational knowledge, the Board elected Admiral Richardson to the Aerospace Safety Committee, as well as Chair of the Special Programs Committee. At Constellation Energy Corporation, Admiral Richardson is a member of the Risk Committee as well as the Nuclear Oversight Committee, where he has oversight over a number of sustainability issues related to the company’s nuclear facilities and operations. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and a master’s degree in national security strategy from the National War College. Admiral Richardson is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Admiral Richardson is Chair of the Special Programs Committee and a member of the Aerospace Safety Committee and the Finance Committee.