Jim Clamons, Vice President of Engineering Operations for Harris Government Communication Systems, was the guest speaker at the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business Ethics Breakfast on Wednesday, January 30th 2013. Sponsored by  The Center for Ethics and Leadership, Clamons spoke of the challenges he faces in managing over 2,400 engineers in a global market.

Dr. Dwayne McCay, Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer; Jim Clamons, VP of Engineering Operations, Harris; Dr. Catanese, President of Florida Tech; Salime Torbey Torbay, Nathan M. Bisk College of Business student

In a room filled with students, faculty, and staff , Clamons spoke of the social and political forces that shape his role as Vice President. Using the ‘fiscal cliff’ as an example, he spoke of how the uncertainty in Washington impacts the day-to-day operations of his workforce. With the pending budget cuts to the Department of Defense still unclear, larger defense corporations are subcontracting less, impacting smaller corporations and forcing companies to explore new avenues of product development and expanding their services to the global market.

Jim Clamons speaking to students, faculty, and staff.

Clamons also spoke of the importance of building business practices that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. For Clamons this not only applies to the type of products developed, but also the way new buildings are designed and day-to-day practices such as recycling.

Dr. Dwayne McCay, Executive V.P. and Chief Operating Officer; Jim Clamons, VP of Engineering Operations, Harris; Dr. Annie Becker, Dean of the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business; Dr. Catanese, President of Florida Tech; Dr. Ami Dutta, Associate Professor, Finance Director, Center for Ethics and Leadership;

Clamon’s talk gave students a unique perspective into the various challenges and constraints a high level executive faces in sustaining and growing their workforce and influence in a global market.