Reston Welcomes Thomas J. Downey as New Chief Communications Officer at Leidos

Reston, Virginia Welcomes New Communications Leader at Leidos

On a bright fall day, the city of Reston, Virginia, is buzzing with excitement as Leidos, a well-known name in innovation, announces a significant addition to its leadership team. Effective from October 7, 2024, Thomas J. Downey will step in as the executive vice president and chief communications and marketing officer, taking the reins from a long and successful career at Boeing and McDonnell Douglas.

A Journey of Experience

Downey brings an impressive wealth of experience to his new role. Over the past 31 years, he has built a solid foundation in the communications sector, serving more than a decade as Boeing’s top communications official. His deep industry knowledge makes him a valuable asset to Leidos. CEO Tom Bell expressed his enthusiasm about Downey’s arrival, saying, “We are thrilled to have Tom aboard. His track record speaks for itself, and we are confident that he will guide us as we strive to build a world-class brand.”

With a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to customer service, Leidos is eagerly anticipating how Downey will help elevate the company’s presence both internally and externally. As he steps into this pivotal role, he will manage everything related to communications and marketing while helping to unify the organization’s messaging across various platforms.

Connecting with Customers and Communities

In his new role, Downey isn’t just expected to curate wide-ranging communication strategies; he will also oversee the integration of the government affairs team. This will help ensure that, as a cohesive entity, Leidos speaks with one voice. In his words, “I’m honored to be joining Leidos at such a pivotal and exciting time for the company,” reflecting the opportunities this role presents for making meaningful connections.

A Multifaceted Background

Downey’s background is as diverse as his experiences—holding positions in community relations, business development, and legislative affairs. A graduate of Saint Louis University, he has also served as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and collaborated with policymakers as a Brookings Institution Congressional Fellow. His passion for giving back is evident through his active support of numerous charitable organizations.

About Leidos

For anyone unfamiliar, Leidos is making waves as a Fortune 500 company focusing on national security and health. With an impressive workforce of around 48,000, this innovative firm tackles some of the world’s toughest challenges head-on. Reporting revenue of approximately $15.4 billion for the past fiscal year, the company is a driving force in heavily regulated sectors.

The headquarter office in Reston actively collaborates to create smarter technology solutions that ultimately benefit customers worldwide. With new leadership and fresh perspectives, the future looks promising for Leidos—one of the leading companies in aerospace, defense, and health.

Looking Forward

As Thomas Downey prepares to take on his new responsibilities, the excitement is palpable. Enhancing customer relationships, promoting innovative solutions, and crafting a brand that resonates with various audiences are just a few of the goals on his agenda. The entire Leidos team is ready for this journey, buoyed by optimism and the hope of continued growth and excellence.

In conclusion, Reston is fortunate to have a leader like Downey at the helm of Leidos’ communications and marketing strategy. As he embarks on this new chapter, the city and the company alike look forward to seeing how his leadership will help shape their future endeavors and impact the communities they serve.