Tom Downey

Tom Downey is a seasoned corporate executive with more than 30 years of experience across all aspects of aerospace and defense industry communications. As chief communications and marketing officer at Leidos, he leads an integrated communications, marketing and government affairs team responsible for ensuring the company speaks with one voice to all constituencies, shaping the stories and policies that impact Leidos’ ability to innovate and deliver for customers.

Before joining Leidos, Downey spent 31 years with Boeing and its heritage company, McDonnell Douglas. There, he rose through the ranks from a writer on fighter aircraft programs to become the company’s top communications officer, reporting directly to the chairman and chief executive officer. Serving more than a decade in that role, he was responsible for developing and implementing global communications strategies, including media relations, brand management and advertising, in-house creative services and executive and employee communications. In addition to leading communications for both the commercial and defense divisions, he also gained experience in business development, community relations and legislative affairs. He retired from Boeing in 2017 and returned to professional life with Leidos in October 2024.

Downey earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Saint Louis University. He also served as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and worked on Capitol Hill as a Brookings Institution congressional fellow. He is a native of Middletown, Ohio.

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