Biography

Sharon Dunbar is Vice President of Human Resources at General Dynamics Mission Systems. In this capacity, she serves as CHRO for a $4.7B global technology company that engineers and integrates multi-domain defense and scientific capabilities for customers worldwide. She is responsible for global people operations and internal communications supporting 13,000 employees at over 100 General Dynamics Mission Systems locations worldwide and also oversees the company’s community relations and investment programs. Prior to joining General Dynamics, Sharon culminated a 32-year career in the U.S. Air Force with assignments spanning acquisition, legislative affairs, human resources and organization leadership. She retired in 2014 in the grade of Major General and as commanding general of the Air Force’s Washington operations where she was responsible for 60,000 employees worldwide. Outside of work, Sharon is active on the board of the Armed Services YMCA, the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, and Be The Change, Inc., and as a trustee for Union Institute and University. She previously served as an honorary board member with USO – Metropolitan DC, and as a Global Ambassador with Vital Voices. Sharon earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in engineering and business management from the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduated with distinction from the National War College with a Master’s degree in National Security Studies, holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from California State University at Long Beach, and completed her doctoral studies in Public Policy at The George Washington University. She also completed the Senior Executive Fellows and Senior Managers in Government programs at Harvard University.