Russell F. Sparks is vice president and general manager, military systems operations for GE Aviation.

Mr. Sparks joined GE Aviation in 1970 and following a series of assignments in various engineering disciplines, he was appointed manager of F101 Low Pressure Turbine Design. In 1986, he was appointed manager of F101 Product Operations and also assumed additional responsibility for the F110-400 program in 1987.

In 1988, Mr. Sparks became general manager of the Product Development Engineering Department, then in 1991, general manager of the Commercial Product Engineering Operation. He was named general manager of the GE90 Project in August 1992.

On November 1, 1997, Mr. Sparks was named an officer of General Electric Company and was appointed vice president and general manager of Product Management, Services. Mr. Sparks was named to his current position in 1999 and is responsible for GE military and marine engine operations.

Mr. Sparks holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a master's degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

Mr. Sparks is a two-time Aviation Week laureate, honored for significant contributions to the global field of aerospace and propulsion.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company, is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.

• Other Executive Bios