Leadership

Kenneth L. Bedingfield is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for L3Harris Technologies and President of Aerojet Rocketdyne. 

As CFO, Ken oversees all internal and external financial reporting, Securities and Exchange Commission and Sarbanes Oxley compliance, financial planning, financial controls, capital structure, accounting, financial services, tax, treasury, investor relations, and corporate development. As President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Ken is responsible for the segment’s business strategy, financial performance, successful program and operational execution, and growth. 

Bedingfield joined L3Harris in 2023 from Epirus, where he was Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Ken led the company from research and development through the production of electronic components and directed energy systems and multiple successful fundraising rounds. Ken joined Epirus in 2020 as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Prior to Epirus, Bedingfield spent eight years with Northrop Grumman in finance roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He joined Northrop Grumman in 2011 as Chief Accounting Officer.

Earlier in his career, Bedingfield spent 17 years with KPMG, most recently as the national client leader of its U.S. Aerospace and Defense audit practice. Bedingfield earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland, and he is a certified public accountant.

Samir B. Mehta is President of the Communication Systems segment and leads Strategic Collaboration Agreements for L3Harris Technologies.

In this role, he is responsible for business strategy, financial performance, successful execution, and growth for Communication Systems, which covers a broad portfolio of solutions, including tactical and airborne radios, secure communications, night vision technology, and professional and public safety networks and products. He is also responsible for establishing, growing and leveraging strategic relationships with industry partners to deploy next-generation capabilities to the U.S. and its allies.

Mehta joined L3Harris in January 2023 from Raytheon Technologies, where he most recently served as President, Advanced Structures with Collins Aerospace. In this role, he led a diversified, multibillion-dollar global business of 15,000 employees, overseeing a portfolio focused on next-generation flight and aviation components for commercial and military customers.

Prior to Raytheon, Mehta spent over 17 years with Sikorsky Aircraft in various leadership roles of increasing scope and responsibility across general management, business development and operations, notably serving as President, Defense Systems & Services, where he led a $4B business with more than 5,000 employees and Sikorsky’s military products and services, from technology development to product delivery and support for U.S. government and foreign military customers.

Earlier in his career, Mehta spent five years with Otis Elevator, ultimately serving as Associate General Counsel where he negotiated legal terms and conditions for all customer, supplier and distribution contracts for a complex, $1B aftermarket organization.

Mehta earned a Juris Doctor degree and Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut, and a bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College.

Jon Rambeau is President of the Integrated Mission Systems segment for L3Harris Technologies. In this role, he is responsible for business strategy, financial performance, successful execution and growth of Integrated Mission Systems, which covers an extensive portfolio of solutions including Power Distribution, Reconnaissance, Electro Optics and Aviation.

Before joining L3Harris, Rambeau served as Vice President and General Manager, Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors for Lockheed Martin Corporation’s Rotary and Mission Systems business. In this role, he was responsible for the strategic, operational and financial performance of missile defense, radar, shipbuilding, directed energy and combat system integration programs, leading a global workforce of over 10,000 employees.

Rambeau began his career as a mechanical engineer with Lockheed Martin as part of their Operations Leadership Development Program.

He held key leadership roles in business and program management, technology, engineering and operations across multiple business areas in a career spanning 26 years with the firm.

His previous executive leadership roles within Lockheed Martin include vice president for the C6ISR line of business where he was responsible for undersea, cyber, electronic warfare and command and control capability delivery; vice president and general manager for the Training and Logistics Solutions line of business; vice president of F-35 International Programs where he successfully delivered the first international aircraft to the United Kingdom and added both Israel and Japan as additional partner nations; and vice president for Technology Transition within Lockheed Martin’s Corporate Engineering and Technology organization.

Rambeau holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and a Master of Science in Technology Management from The Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Engineering and Applied Science.

He currently serves as a member of the Executive Advisory Council to the Dean of Drexel University’s College of Engineering.

Edward J. “Ed” Zoiss is president of the Space and Airborne Systems segment for L3Harris Technologies. In this role, he is responsible for business strategy, financial performance, successful execution and growth for Space & Airborne Systems, which covers an extensive portfolio of solutions in intelligence, surveillance, small satellites, electronic warfare, avionics (including carriage and release systems), wireless solutions and C4I systems. Previously, Zoiss was president of Harris Corporation’s Electronic Systems segment, which included a portion of his current portfolio prior to the company’s merger with L3 Technologies, Inc. in June 2019.

Prior to his role as president of Harris’ Electronic Systems segment, he was vice president and general manager of the defense business unit within Harris Government Communications Systems. This business served U.S. and international customers with critical, military interoperable communication products, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions for protecting national security and aiding public safety agencies. Prior to that role, he served as vice president of C4ISR Electronics, which provided specialized solutions to defense, intelligence and public safety agencies.

Before assuming responsibility for the C4ISR business, Zoiss was vice president of Advanced Programs and Technology, where he led the division strategy, business development, marketing and all internal research and development. 

Joining Harris in 1995 as a principal mechanical engineer, Zoiss assumed positions of increasing responsibility during his tenure, including director of Research and Development and vice president of Business Development for National Programs. He is the recipient of 13 patents. 

He is a member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Project Management Institute (PMI). He is also a member of the Florida State University Engineering Advisory Council, a board member of the Space Foundation, and a board member of Jariet Technologies. 

Zoiss received his bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, and his master’s in mechanical engineering from California State University at Northridge. In addition, he received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant.

Christoph Feddersen is Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary for L3Harris Technologies. In this role, Feddersen is responsible for the company’s legal, internal audit, environmental health & safety, and enterprise security organizations.

Feddersen joined L3Harris in 2024 as Vice President and General Counsel for Space and Airborne Systems, after more than 25 years of practicing law in-house and at international law firms in the United States and Europe. 

Previously, Feddersen served 17 years in various roles at RTX Corporation, most recently as the Vice President & General Counsel, Corporate Secretary for Collins Aerospace, a position he held for nine years. 

Prior to, Feddersen held several positions of increasing responsibility at United Technologies Corporation (UTC), including as Vice President & General Counsel, Corporate Secretary for UTC Aerospace Systems. 

Feddersen earned a Master of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School, and a Doctorate in International Trade Law from the University of Hamburg. He was also an Emile Noël Fellow at Harvard Law School. He is admitted to the bars in New York, NY, the District of Columbia, and Germany.

Tania Hanna is Vice President of Government and Customer Relations for L3Harris Technologies. Hanna is responsible for the company’s relations with the U.S. Congress, the executive branch and Aerospace and Defense industry associations located in the Washington, D.C., area. She also oversees global business development and external communications, ensuring alignment of messaging to key external stakeholders with the company’s growth strategy. 

Hanna was Vice President of Government Relations for Harris Corporation, prior to the company’s merger with L3 Communications in 2019, and also worked as Vice President of Policy and Legislative Affairs, responsible for implementing and overseeing Harris’ engagements with the U.S. Congress and related organizations, and building the company’s international government-relations capabilities. 

Before joining Harris in 2003, Hanna served as Senior Associate with a DC-based law firm, Senior Attorney at the Federal Communications Commission and General Counsel for a small internet startup.  

Hanna earned a Bachelor of Science in International Politics from Georgetown University, a graduate degree from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University. She also has a Juris Doctor from American University.

Kimberly (“Kim”) Mackenroth is Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for L3Harris Technologies. In this position, Mackenroth leads the Information Technology function including Global Business Services for the enterprise. She is responsible for partnering across the organization to establish strategic roadmaps and leverage digital technologies to provide high-value business solutions across the organization. Mackenroth is also focused on continuing to evolve technologies for L3Harris and drive innovation and growth that enables more effective and efficient delivery of services and products to our customers.  

Mackenroth joined L3Harris in 2023. Prior to joining L3Harris, Mackenroth held the position of VP, CIO, at Textron, where she was responsible for optimizing systems and IT services to align with business strategy, advancing cybersecurity, managing suppliers, and supporting collaboration.

Previously, she served as VP and CIO at both Textron Aviation and Textron Tools and Test. Mackenroth launched her career at Bell Helicopter, where she held a variety of roles across supply chain, manufacturing and helicopter programs, building a breadth of operational experience.  

Mackenroth holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Baylor University and a Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. Mackenroth currently serves as Vice Chair on the Baylor University School  of Engineering and Computer Science Board of Advocates. In addition, she serves on the board of the National Cryptologic Foundation.

Dr. Andrew Puryear is Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for L3Harris Technologies. In this role, he develops and oversees the overall technology and engineering strategy, driving technology talent development throughout the company and ensuring world-class standards of engineering processes, methods, systems and tools. This includes leading research and development planning and investments, integrating corporate strategy, product management, and technology planning to identify and pursue technology and market adjacencies for existing products and technologies under development. 

Prior to joining L3Harris in 2023, Puryear served as Chief Technology Officer for Ultra Electronics, leading the development and implementation of the strategic technology roadmap, which connected Ultra’s internal research and development (IRAD) investments to corporate strategy. He also integrated corporate strategy, product management, and technology planning while collaborating with global business development to align technology development with international pursuits.

Previously, Puryear served as the Division Leader for Pacific Northwest National Labs AI and Data Analytics Division, as the Director of Cyber Strategy and Execution for The MITRE Corporation, and as an R&D Senior Manager at Sandia National Labs. He spent eight years at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he contributed to missions from seabed to space.  

Puryear has more than 24 years of engineering experience, including establishing strategic partnerships and identifying emerging technology capability areas.  

Puryear has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Texas A&M, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is also a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve and served as the Emerging Technology Threat Advisory Chair for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Melanie ("Mel") Rakita is Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for L3Harris Technologies. Rakita has responsibility for all human resources (HR) activities for the enterprise including talent acquisition, engagement and positive workplace culture, employee relations, career development, succession planning, performance management, compensation and benefits, and HR systems.

Mel is passionate about attracting top talent to L3Harris and providing opportunities to develop, advance, excel, and thrive. She's committed to creating an environment where people can both challenge the status quo and feel inspired to do their best work in support of our mission.

Rakita assumed this role in April 2023. Rakita joined the legacy Harris Corporation in 2015 as Vice President, HR for the former Harris Critical Networks segment. She subsequently served as Vice President, Talent Management, VP, HR – Space and Airborne Systems (SAS), and VP, HR – Integrated Mission Systems (IMS).

Rakita has more than 24 years of experience in HR management and leadership, including global talent management, staff development and employee relations.

Before joining legacy Harris, she was Director, HR at United Technologies Corporation (UTC) for Sikorsky Defense Systems & Services.

Previously, she served in HR positions with UTC, L’Oréal USA, and Colgate-Palmolive Company.

Rakita has a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, and she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut.

Heidi Wood is Vice President & Chief Transformation Officer for L3Harris Technologies. 

Wood is responsible for the strategy, implementation and execution of LHX NeXt, an enterprise-wide transformation to improve L3Harris’ cost structure and performance to better streamline and position the company for the future.

Wood rejoined L3Harris in 2024 after previously serving as Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Technology at L3 Technologies from 2016 to 2019. She played a central role in planning and executing the merger between L3 and Harris, and subsequently served as co-lead for post-close integration planning. 

Previously, Wood was Chief Executive Officer of 6P Color, Inc. She held various roles at CAE, including Executive Vice President, responsible for enterprise-wide business development and growth initiatives; President of CAE Healthcare, where she helped restore the division’s growth and profitability; and Interim Group President of Defense & Security. 

Prior to L3, Wood served as Senior Vice President, Strategy for Spirit AeroSystems and contributed to its turnaround in 2013-2016. Wood spent 20 years on Wall Street, including 14 years as Managing Director and the global head of Morgan Stanley’s Aerospace & Defense equity research practice. She helped take Embraer, I-Robot, Wesco, and SAIC public and was nationally ranked as a top Wall Street analyst for 14 consecutive years. 

She served on the Defense Science Board’s Summer Study program and was appointed by President Bush as a Commissioner on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. Wood holds a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.

David Zack is Vice President of Operations and Program Excellence at L3Harris Technologies. In this role, Zack leads program excellence, global manufacturing and facilities, quality and continuous improvement, and supply chain management to drive flawless execution and delivery to our customers. 

Since joining L3Harris in 2019, Zack has served as President of Integrated Mission Solution’s Maritime sector, President of Space & Airborne System’s Mission Avionics sector, and most recently lead operations and program excellence for the Communication Systems segment. In his role, he was responsible for performance assurance and achievement of optimum efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

Before joining L3Harris, Zack served as Corporate Executive Council Member and Vice President of United States Government Defense Systems and Services for Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and was responsible for U.S. government and international military development, upgrades, production and aftermarket products and services. 

Zack earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Systems Engineering from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Business Administration from Albertus Magnus College. He also completed executive certificate programs from University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and INSEAD’s International School of Business.