JOC Tim Paynter, USN (Ret.)
Tim Paynter is vice president of Strategic Communications for BAE Systems, Inc., which employs more than 40,000 employees in the United States, United Kingdom, and Sweden, and generated 2024 revenues of $17 billion. He is responsible for leading the company’s external communications activities. Prior to his current role, Paynter served in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility at Northrop Grumman Corporation, including vice president of Strategic Communications and vice president of Media and Public Relations. Prior to that, he served in various director roles in the company’s Aerospace business, including successfully leading advocacy efforts for priority win campaigns totaling $200 billion; leading the marketing communications directorate; international communications team; and servings as director of communications for the Military Aircraft division, which included B-2, F-35, F-18, E-2C/D, C-2 and E-8C. He also led communications for a classified division.
Before rejoining Northrop Grumman, Paynter served as senior manager of corporate communications at EADS North America, the U.S. arm of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., now Airbus Group. Prior to joining EADS North America, he led communications for Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 Tanker campaign. Paynter first joined Northrop Grumman at its Unmanned Systems division, primarily supporting the X-47B UCAS and MQ-8C programs, in addition to supporting the U.S. Air Force’s Global Hawk program.
While serving in the U.S. Navy as a chief journalist, Paynter worked in a variety of communications and public affairs leadership positions at shore, afloat and joint commands throughout the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia theaters, including aboard USS Frank Cable (AS-40), USS Peleliu (LHA-5), and deployments aboard USS Patriot (MCM-7) and USS Topeka (SSN-754).
Paynter’s military and civilian achievements include U.S. Navy Broadcast Journalist of the Year, Naval Media Center Worldwide Detachment Sailor of the Year, and the Rear Admiral Ravitz Excellence in Public Affairs award. He also earned various Chief of Information (CHINFO) Merit Awards for excellence in print and broadcast journalism. He’s served as a Public Relations Society of America guest speaker on crisis communications, as well as being named PRNews’ 15 to Watch Under 30.
Paynter’s military qualifications and awards include Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, damage control leader, and anti-terrorism/force protection specialist. His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation medal (three awards), the Joint Service Achievement medal, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement medal (four awards).
Paynter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a graduate of the Defense Department’s Defense Information School in both print and broadcast journalism. He serves on the national board of the Armed Services YMCA, the USO Mid-Atlantic advisory board, and as a board advisor to Blue Star Families’ D.C. Chapter. He is also a member of the National Press Club.