Karen R. Jones

Karen R. Jones in March 2007 was named director of the Program Management Office (PMO) for Boeing Fabrication, an operation of nearly 13,000 employees that serves as the largest supplier of aerospace parts, tools and assemblies to Commercial Airplanes. In this role, Jones provides leadership for a dynamic work statement environment, spreading program management tools and best practices, integrating division-wide initiatives, and helping accelerate efforts to implement the Boeing Production System through a focus on Lean, employee engagement and relentless process improvement.

From 2002-2007, Jones was a senior manager for PMO in Commercial Airplanes' Global Partners division where she was responsible for strategic planning, supplier diversity and support to enterprise supplier functional leaders. Prior to that assignment, Jones served as director of operations in the Materiel Division where she led the transition integrating materials management functions into parts manufacturing plants across BCA. Before joining the PMO team, Jones was the product owner responsible for the entire value chain surrounding all BCA cargo handling equipment with responsibilities for strategy, product analysis and benchmarking to achieve a competitive advantage within the industry.

Jones began her career with Boeing in 1980 in Industrial Engineering in tooling shop load. She also supported Boeing Integrated Defense Systems B2 Program in quality assurance, where she was promoted to management responsible for operations including budgets, estimating, mil-spec compliance, MRB chairperson and audits. In 1988, Jones transferred to Wichita , Kansas where she spent two years as a senior manager in Industrial Engineering and PMO. In 1990, Jones returned to Seattle, Materiel Division PMO and, in 1992, was a senior manager for purchased outside production procurement (POP).

Jones received a certificate in Global Leadership from the Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management and currently attends Eastern Washington University . She is active as the Boeing executive focal to Central Washington University, where she serves on the university's College of Business Advisory Board.

Updated March 2007