Stories

Lieutenant General Wendy M. Masiello, United States Air Force (Retired), joined KBR's Board of Directors in August 2017. Masiello recently spoke to the Houston chapter of ASPIRE, KBR's employee resource group for female leaders. Speaking from her own experience, Masiello shared the wisdom she's accumulated through the years in her decorated and credentialed professional, military and educational careers.

Masiello graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing in 1980 and joined the US Air Force upon graduation. Women were first admitted to the military academies in 1976 so Masiello was among the group of pioneering females to climb the ranks within the organization.

Early in her military service, Masiello set high goals for herself including becoming a Colonel in twenty years. Her lofty aspirations and determination paid off. Masiello was selected for Colonel in her twentieth year of service and earned notable military decorations and accolades along the way.

A career advisor told Masiello that in order for her to reach her ambitious goals she would have to differentiate herself from her peers. The valuable advice resonated, and Masiello capitalized on the abundant opportunities offered by the Air Force in education, leadership training and professional development.

By establishing big goals and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone, Masiello has experienced decades of growth and opportunity.  Today, General Masiello's achievements include a Legion of Merit award and Bronze Star Medal among many other decorations. Her lifelong pursuit of education and learning has earned her a M.S. degree in Logistics Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a M.S. degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at National Defense University. She also participated in numerous programs such as the Harvard Kennedy School's Senior Managers in Government.

General Masiello with the Houston Chapter ASPIRE Board

Throughout her 36 year career, General Masiello has discovered her own formula for success hinges on relationships and strong communication skills ‒ written and verbal acumen of equal importance. "Communication and relationships can speed the action of anything you're responsible for," Masiello said.  She has also found that her success has come through her curiosity and desire to learn and by caring for people, the organization and doing a job well.

Masiello also emphasized the importance of self-reflection, being candid and always improving oneself. Lastly, she encourages having fun (while still being professional) and finding what makes you happy.

General Masiello retired as a Three-Star General of the United States Air Force on July 1, 2017. Prior to her retirement, she served as Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency, a Department of Defense agency that oversees more than $2 trillion in contract value. In her role as a member of KBR's Board of Directors, she serves on the Audit Committee and the Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Social Responsibility Committee.