Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | M | Mississippi Business Journal

After 27 years, Grafton retiring as L-3 Vertex president.

Article Excerpt
The first thing Dan Grafton plans to do after his retirement May 2 is to enjoy his 6 a.m. cup of coffee on his patio, not in the office. Then he and his wife, Judy, will head to the Gulf of Mexico for a week on their boat, Just A Splash. Later this year, they'll explore Nova Scotia, and make the Mississippi rounds visiting their four grandchildren, ranging in age from one to six.

Those are just a few items on the long-awaited leisurely to-do list for Grafton, L-3 Vertex Aerospace president, who announced March 8 that he is retiring after 27 years. "I'll still be around, but just not 60 hours a week, which is down from what it used to be," said Grafton, with a chuckle.

Grafton, who oversees more than 11,000 employees working from 285 locations worldwide, including 400 employees working from L-3 Vertex's home base in Madison, said he was fortunate to have served nearly three decades with "a great company and a wonderful group of people whose success reflects a passion and commitment to our customers. We've accomplished much over the years, and it's truly been an honor."

Bob Drewes,...