ASQLA MEMBER MEETING

 

Risk Management Assurance was established by the Quality, Safety & Mission Assurance (QSMA) organization to ensure effective execution of risk management at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. The objective of Risk Management Assurance is to independently drive the identification and mitigation of risks within and beyond the program area boundaries. One of the early strategies of Risk Management Assurance was to launch and facilitate the Sector Functional Risk and Opportunity Board to recognize, prioritize, and handle risks that could potentially affect sector performance. This board is comprised of executive leadership and has been successful in promulgating insight and awareness of potential risks to the enterprise, while also providing a clear path for the program and business areas to elevate risks for more effective handling by the sector functions. In support of the individual program areas, Risk Management Assurance collaborates with program management to improve risk management policies and procedures, develop guidance for program application, expand risk tool capability and flexibility, and conduct independent assessments to assure process compliance.

Jo Ann Wood is the Sector Lead for Risk Management Assurance and is responsible for executing the QSMA vision for this function. Prior to this position, Jo Ann was the risk manager for several aircraft and space system programs ranging from concept development to production. These programs received the highest customer ratings attainable for her innovative approach to risk management. Jo Ann successfully integrated the risk management process with earned value management, master scheduling, key performance, and health and visibility metrics for an advanced aircraft program resulting in customer accolades and the highest award fee ratings.

Jo Ann's extensive experience within Systems Engineering includes lead positions in Requirements Management, Product Assurance, Project Engineering, and Reliability Engineering. She was also the recipient of eighteen awards for product and process improvements. Jo Ann spent the earlier part of her career in Logistics Support Analysis developing analytical and discrete-event simulation models such as the Integrated Combat Turnaround Model, Sortie Generation Simulation Model, and the Operational & Support Cost Model.