Denise L. Hamann has built a distinguished career at Moog Inc. as a senior regulatory compliance manager. She earned her Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Buffalo State University in 1986 and has spent nearly four decades contributing to the aerospace industry. Her journey began in the assembly and test area at Moog, a global manufacturer of aerospace components and systems. She has explored roles in quality engineering, contract administration, and configuration management.
Upon joining Moog Inc., Ms. Hamann was one of only two women in her class. Her talent and drive quickly set her apart. Graduating at the top of her class, she began in the assembly and test area, which was predominantly male. Despite the challenges, she thrived and later transitioned to quality engineering. This time in assembly and testing laid the foundation for her skills in quality assurance. After a decade in that role, she moved into quality engineering, where she spent six years refining her ability to address process issues and implement corrective actions. Following success in quality engineering, Ms. Hamann transitioned into contract administration. In this comprehensive role, she collaborated across various company functions, from executives to shipping personnel, managing multiple aspects of the business while ensuring compliance with both customer and regulatory requirements.
A significant career milestone occurred when Ms. Hamann was selected to lead configuration management for the F-35 fighter jet program. She managed the configuration process for all drawings and hardware associated with the project. Collaborating with a partner company, she ensured design synchronization and effective communication between teams, helping the program run smoothly and efficiently. Her involvement in the F-35 program showcased her ability to manage complex aerospace projects. Afterward, Ms. Hamann returned to contract administration as a manager overseeing the Original Equipment Manufacturer, OEM, side of the business. Her experience in both assembly and quality engineering allowed her to approach contract administration with a deep understanding of Moog’s processes. She became instrumental in establishing the contract group structure, a highly valued responsibility.
As senior regulatory compliance manager, Ms. Hamann ensures that Moog adheres to regulatory requirements for military contracts. She oversees compliance throughout the contract lifecycle, from proposals to fulfillment, focusing on small business plans, specialty metals, pricing, and government property management. Additionally, she implemented and revised a system for storing contract information, including creating a comprehensive contract workbook. Ms. Hamann credits much of her success to Moog’s supportive culture. The company fosters an open and encouraging atmosphere, empowering employees to pursue advancement and innovation. She has always felt comfortable asking questions, challenging processes, and seeking guidance when necessary. This culture, combined with her strong work ethic, enabled her to excel in every role she has taken on at Moog. Determination to succeed was instilled in her from a young age, and her work environment encouraged her to grow professionally.
One of Ms. Hamann’s greatest accomplishments involves documenting procedures and obtaining team buy-in for following them. When she joined Moog in 1986, the company operated largely through word of mouth, without written documentation of its processes. As the company expanded, she recognized the importance of creating structured procedures to help teams work efficiently and consistently. She takes pride in implementing these processes and ensuring their effectiveness as Moog has grown. Ms. Hamann is an active International Project Management Association and Women and Managers member, continually honing her teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Her expertise in compliance management and process improvement has been a critical asset to Moog as the company navigates complex regulatory requirements for military contracts.
Ms. Hamann has a deep personal connection to Moog. Her father dedicated 40 years to the company, holding roles such as assembly, test manager, and supervisor. Both of her sisters worked at Moog, and now her son follows the family tradition, working in the assembly area as she did at the start of her career. This legacy makes Moog feel like a second family to Ms. Hamann, and she takes pride in contributing to its continued success. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Hamann took on additional responsibilities, managing the aftermarket side of contracts. Her work involved spares, repairs, and intellectual property related to military aftermarket contracts. Relying on her extensive knowledge of Moog’s operations, she met the unique challenges of the role. Her ability to meet the needs of government customers and regulatory requirements, including environmental concerns, made her an asset to Moog’s leadership team.
Ms. Hamann is considering retirement within the next five years. However, she remains eager to stay active. While she enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren, she is exploring opportunities to contribute her skills to a nonprofit organization or provide guidance to a business or startup. Ms. Hamann seeks to stay engaged without returning to the daily grind of corporate life, and she is open to ways to continue making an impact after retirement.
Ms. Hamann has learned that effective communication is key to success in any field. She has observed that face-to-face discussions among team members lead to faster and more productive outcomes than weeks of emails and phone calls. Direct communication eliminates misunderstandings and ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities, creating a more efficient and cohesive team dynamic. Her exceptional ability to facilitate communication between government agencies and internal teams sets her apart. Her strength lies in uniting individuals and streamlining processes, ensuring all parties work together toward a common goal. Her influence will continue to resonate within Moog Inc., shaping its legacy for years to come.