Virginia Business Council Elects TRW's Odeen Chairman
16 November 1998
Virginia Business Council Elects TRW's Odeen Chairman; Council's First Leader from Northern Virginia
FAIRFAX, Va.--Nov. 16, 1998--Philip A. Odeen has been elected chairman of the Virginia Business Council, succeeding Henry Harrell, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Corporation.
As executive vice president and general manager of Fairfax, Va.-based TRW Systems & Information Technology Group, Odeen is the Council's first chairman from the Northern Virginia area.
The Virginia Business Council is a non-partisan organization that consists of chief executives or senior officers of leading employers in Virginia. The Council is dedicated to preserving and enhancing free enterprise and economic development in the Commonwealth. A favorable economic climate and business environment are fundamental goals, and education is a prime concern of the Council.
"The Commonwealth is in excellent fiscal condition today and has benefited from the dedication and foresight of our public servants," said Odeen. "With this solid foundation, we must act now to ensure that Virginia continues as a national leader in providing education, transportation, public safety, and other services to its citizens." Added Odeen, "The Commonwealth also must maintain its long tradition as a state with sound finances and a moderate tax burden. The Council stands ready to work with Virginia's leadership to achieve this goal."
Odeen has been a member of the Council since 1992, most recently as the Council's vice chairman and chairman of its education task force. For the next two years, Odeen will chair the Council, a group of more than 40 top Virginia executives in stimulating informed discussion on the issues of economic growth for Virginia.
Odeen was named to his current position at TRW in January 1998. TRW Inc. provides advanced technology products and services for the automotive, space and defense, and information technology markets worldwide. Prior to this, he was president and chief executive officer of BDM, which TRW acquired in December 1997, and directed its fast paced growth and evolution as a multi-national information technology firm. Before joining BDM in 1992, Odeen was vice chairman, management consulting services, at Coopers & Lybrand, where he directed a consulting practice of 2,500 in 30 cities.
Odeen is active in government advisory groups, primarily in the defense and national security area. In February 1997, Odeen was named by Secretary of Defense William Cohen to chair the National Defense Panel. He is currently vice chairman of the Defense Science Board and a member of the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel. He has served in senior positions with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council staff including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Systems Analysis).
In October, Odeen and his wife Marge were recognized by the Northern Virginia Community Foundation for their commitment to community service and extraordinary support of area charitable organizations.
Odeen is an active supporter and board member of community organizations such as The Wolf Trap Foundation, Inova Health Systems, the Women's Center, and Childhelp USA. In addition, he is past chairman of the Professional Services Council and serves as a citizen member of Virginia's Commission on Educational Infrastructure.