Annapolis (January 31, 2008) - Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold congratulated Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems and its President James F. Pitts today for their announcement to add 500 new jobs statewide, with the vast majority in the County. "The addition of these jobs and increased demand for engineers in our area supports my proposed state legislation to create stipend incentives for science, technology, engineering and math teachers," said County Executive Leopold. "It also supports the need for a regional STEM center at Anne Arundel Community College’s Arundel Mills mini-campus, which I will propose as part of the County’s FY09 budget." The majority of the new positions are expected to be filled by engineers who will help the Northrop Grumman Electronic Solutions sector grow and gain more competitive advantage in the industry. Currently the Linthicum-based company, the county’s largest private employer, employs about 8,500 people. This influx of jobs is just one of the beginning signs of the technology employment boost expected in the region from the Base Realignment and Closure process. BRAC and associated growth at Fort George G. Meade is expected to bring nearly 22,000 new positions on and near Fort Meade through 2011. | 
