Matice Wright-Springer (born 1965)[1] is the first African-American female naval flight officer.[2][4]
Matice Wright-Springer | |
|---|---|
 Ensign Wright in 1993 | |
| Born | 1965[1] |
Life
editWright was born and grew up in Annapolis, Maryland.[2][3] She attended Annapolis High School in her hometown. She received a bachelor's degree in the physical sciences from the United States Naval Academy. After leaving active duty, Wright obtained a master's degree in business administration from Johns Hopkins University.[2] She went on to obtain a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.[3]
Career
editWright graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1988. In 1989, she became the United States Navy's first African-American female flight officer.[4] Wright went on to serve on active duty for eight years.[2] After leaving active duty, she worked in the private sector.[3] In 1997, Wright was appointed a White House Fellow in the United States Treasury Department.[3][2][5] She also worked to manage Sikorsky Aircraft international military helicopter programs. She went on to become the principal director for industrial policy at the United States Department of Defense.[2][3] In fall 2016, former president Barack Obama appointed her to the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors[6] where she currently serves. She is also now a vice president at ManTech International. In March 2021, Matice became a senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton.
References
edit- ^ a b c Mayes, Tahj (February 10, 2016). "Black History in the Military – Celebration of "Firsts"". Retrieved 2018-05-03.
- ^ a b c d e f g "This week in African American history". Northwest Navy Life. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f Wright, Matice (26 February 2011). "Matice Wright's Story: Taking Responsibility for American Soldiers and Sailors". The Obama White House. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ a b Douglas, Deborah (2004). American Women and Flight since 1940. Lexington, Kentucky: The University Press of Kentucky. p. 251. ISBN 9780813148298. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ "List of White House Fellows". White House Fellows Project. Gordon College. Archived from the original on 31 July 2016. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- ^ Hutzell, Rick (30 December 2016). "Obama's legacy at Naval Academy continues with five fall appointments". Capital Gazette. Retrieved 20 February 2017.