NE North Dakota News

Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, delivered a speech at the Memorial Union as part of UND’s 18:83 Speaker Series. This event allows campus and community leaders to share their leadership philosophies in a timed address lasting approximately 18 minutes and 83 seconds, a nod to the University’s founding year.

Martin, originally trained as a computer engineer, has had a varied career path. She moved from designing weapons systems to leading one of the nation's major nonprofits. "If you had asked me what I wanted to do with my life when I was a student, none of the words ‘CEO,’ ‘nonprofit’ or ‘safety’ would have been in that equation," she said.

Her leadership journey began with ROTC, leading to her commission in the U.S. Air Force after college. Adjusting to military life posed challenges for Martin. "I was given a cold-water survival suit that probably would have drowned me had I actually worn it," she joked about her early days.

After her service, Martin joined Lockheed Martin, where she spent three decades facing diverse challenges. "There was a big leap at some point where a sponsor of mine said, ‘I think Lorraine can build airplanes,’" she recounted. Her skills in leadership and program management led her to lead several aircraft programs.

In 2013, Martin became vice president and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II fighter program — noted as the largest defense program in aviation history. "It was an incredible opportunity to lead such a complex program," Martin stated.

She emphasized that stepping outside one's comfort zone is crucial for growth: "Every new job you take should make you feel like you’re drowning... Because if you don’t feel like you’re drowning, you’re not learning."

Martin's current role at the National Safety Council stems from both personal challenge and tragedy. A workplace accident during her time at Lockheed influenced her decision. "When I retired from Lockheed Martin, I carried that with me," she said.

The National Safety Council aims to reduce fatalities and injuries both on roads and in workplaces across America. Despite advancements over its century-long history, significant work remains: nearly 5,000 Americans die annually on the job; over 100 die daily on roads.

"That’s why I took the job and have stayed on the job for the past five, almost six years," Martin concluded.

Martin also shared key principles for effective leadership: consistency within teams; strong partnerships built on listening; and authenticity combined with confidence and humility.