Michael Hinkey '76 - Success the Right Way

3/1/2019

The Mount Saint Joseph brotherhood is rich with leaders serving in various capacities around the world. Among these distinguished Mount men is our 2018 Alumnus of the Year Michael Hinkey ’76, a leader both in his former profession and in his community.

After graduating from Mount Saint Joseph in 1976, Michael earned his bachelor's degree in physics and engineering science from Loyola University, Maryland, and a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia. He also completed the Executive Marketing Program at University of California, Los Angeles, and the General Management Program at Harvard Business School. Having held a number of leadership positions since starting at Northrop Grumman in 1981, he recently retired from serving as vice president and general manager of the Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) & Targeting Systems Division.

Possibly more impressive than Michael’s success is the attitude with which he carries it. “My experience at Mount Saint Joseph set me up for a very successful career, but most importantly, it taught me to have success the right way – with ethics, morals, and by caring about people,” he says. Michael believes Mount Saint Joseph laid a foundation for the strong sense of character necessary in a leader, proclaiming, “There is no doubt to me that Mount Saint Joseph taught us to be leaders.”

In fact, Michael is one of six Mount graduates who have recently held or currently hold vice president positions at Northrop Grumman alone.These include Bernie McVey ’73, retired Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer; Paul “Buz” Kalafos ’74, Vice President, Surveillance Systems Business Unit; Tim Harrington ’76, Vice President and Controller, Missions Systems Sector; Doug Lawton ’78, Vice President, SEWIP Program; and Doug Norton ’81, retired Vice President, Enterprise Services, and Chief Information Officer, Aerospace Systems.

Michael is now embarking on a new endeavor to share his time, talent, and treasure for the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. He is even busier now in retirement, thanks to this “second career” of philanthropy and volunteering. He credits his “career change” to his 16 years of Catholic education, pointing specifically to the Xaverian charisms that were so instilled in him during his years at The Mount. “Underlying these values are lessons of charity and caring, as well as helping others discover their own uniqueness so they, too, may ‘share the love of God with the world through their own giftedness,’” he explains.

Michael lives these words by giving back to his community in a variety of facets, such as serving and supporting several charities and organizations. He hopes his efforts will make an impact on the number of opportunities available to students of all demographics, such as women, people of color, and promising students who may not be the top of their class. “I am convinced that there are many people who have the talent to be STEM professionals, but they do not receive the needed support and encouragement to persevere and get there,” he says. Michael’s goal is to help youth discover their giftedness so they may use it in ways that make the world a better place.

Looking back on his rewarding career as a STEM professional, Michael is excited to use his knowledge, skills, and heart for service in his new role as an advocate for STEM education. He is grateful to The Mount for laying both his educational and spiritual foundation, declaring, “This is an amazing institution with a legacy of successful and influential graduates that I am proud to be part of.” Like Michael, each of The Mount’s accomplished alumni learned how to have success the right way. As any Mount man knows, the best leaders are those who follow God’s call to serve others.

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