Thomas J. "Tom" Cogan '77

Tom Cogan served as the director of Airplane Product Development for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. In this role, he was responsible for the development of all new and derivative airplanes. Named to this position in July 2008,Cogan was also responsible for advanced concepts and the analysis of competitors’ airplanes.

Prior to this assignment, Cogan was the chief project engineer for the 787 Dreamliner during the initial development. Assigned to this role in March 2003, he was responsible for the definition and product integrity of the airplane. He was named Engineer of the Year for 2007 by Design News for his work in leading the 787 engineering team.

Previously, he served as the chief project engineer for the Sonic Cruiser, 747-X and 757 programs. He has also held positions as the manufacturing business unit leader for Developmental Manufacturing, Integrated Product Team leader for the 757 300 program and 737 600/ 700/ 800 program, senior manager in Payloads for airplane configuration definition and interior certification, and marketing manager for the 757 and 737 programs. During his first 12 years at Boeing, he worked in the aerodynamics staff on multiple programs. Cogan joined Boeing in 1977.

A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Cogan began serving on the Texas A&M University College of Engineering Advisory Council in 2009 after spending eleven years serving on the Texas A&M Aerospace Engineering Advisory Board. In 2006, he was named the Boeing executive focal for Texas A&M where he had oversight responsibility for all interaction between the company and the university including recruiting, charitable giving, research, and special projects.

Cogan lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, and enjoys fishing, skiing, hiking, photography, and woodworking. He serves on the board of directors for a local non-profit organization focused on the historical preservation, management, and educational programs of Lime Kiln State Park under the fiscal sponsorship of the Washington State Parks Foundation.