Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the Executive Vice President of Engineering Dr. Cathy Kilmain has been appointed to the Texas Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee, headquartered in Austin, by Texas Governor Rick Perry.

The committee of seven state-wide appointed members assists in the state’s economic development efforts to recruit and retain aerospace and aviation jobs and investments and is supported by the Director-Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense and Texas Military Preparedness, Office of the Governor.

“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Perry to this committee, and I’m absolutely committed to strengthening Texas’ general aviation programs and fulfilling my responsibilities to this position,” said Dr. Kilmain. “I am dedicated to advancing the aerospace industry’s presence in Texas and fostering an educational environment to grow and develop talent in this field.”

Dr. Kilmain was named Executive Vice president of Engineering for Bell Helicopter in August 2013 and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team. She received her Master of Science and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech. She also received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Syracuse University. She is an active member of the American Helicopter Society where she served as the Deputy Director of Vehicle Integrity on the Technical Council and currently serves as the Southwest Director at Large on the Board of Directors.

The appointment was announced by the Office of the Governor earlier this week.

About the Office of Aerospace, Aviation and Defense and the Advisory Committee

The Office of Aerospace, Aviation and Defense was created by the 78th Texas Legislature. The goal of this office is to encourage economic development in Texas by fostering growth in the aerospace, aviation and defense industries in the state. This office works closely with the business communities in commercial and general aviation, space, defense, manufacturing, education, and workforce.

Responsibilities of the Office include, but are not limited to, analyzing current space and aviation related research and investigate opportunities to expand it, evaluate the state’s economic position in these industries, develop business strategies and implement industry-specific strategic plans to promote, retain, develop and expand aerospace and aviation, and make recommendations to the Legislature and Governor regarding the promotion of those industries. Focus is on the continued expansion of the space and aviation industries in the state with recruitment and retention of aerospace and aviation jobs and investment a top priority. An advisory committee comprised of seven individuals from within various sectors of the aerospace and aviation industry was established by the Governor’s Office, at the direction of the 78th Texas Legislature to advise and assist in the state’s economic development efforts.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.