Troy University News

October 1, 2003

Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
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Troy, AL 36082
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TROY STATE UNIVERSITY
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   Leaders needed to ‘change world views,’ Sikorsky CEO tells TSU students
   American industry needs bold leaders with vision, the President of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. told students at Troy State University Wednesday.
   The speaker, Stephen N. Finger, was the first visiting lecturer in the Sorrell College of Business’s 2003-2004 Distinguished Speaker Series. The event was held in the Claudia Crosby Theater on the TSU campus.
   Finger said the difference between leaders and managers is that leaders change world views, while managers execute world views. A strong business needs both good leaders and managers, he said.
   If we are not managing efficiently then we will not go anywhere,” said Finger. “If we do not lead, then we will not know where to go. Our challenge in business is when we have an opportunity to change the world’s view and actually taking advantage of it and executing on it.” Finger used the example of his company’s founder, Igor Sikorsky, who advocated the use of helicopters in spite of a world view that held that airplanes were superior flying machines.
   Finger was named President of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., in June of 2003. Prior to his employment with Sikorsky, he served as President of Pratt and Whitney’s Military Engines and was responsible for the company’s manufacturing and engineering operations. He brings more than 30 years of experience, dealing with both a military and commercial clients, to his new position.
   “Finger received a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia in 1970 and earned a master’s degree in management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1996.
   The series of speakers is designed to expose TSU students to a broad range of outstanding business leaders. Past speakers have included Cliff Bartow, retired CEO of the Luxottica Retail Group, North America; J. Wiley Lott, Director of Real Estate for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Dr. Vance D. Coffman, CEO of Lockheed Martin, and Patricia Barnes of Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls, Inc.