PAE (Pacific Architects and Engineers) announced last week that the defense and government services contractor has appointed aerospace industry executive Cristal Rice as the vice president of its Readiness & Sustainment group.

Rice joins PAE from The Boeing Company, where she served in various management roles. She held the titles of subdivision leader and senior program manager for U.S. Air Force sustainment programs at Boeing. Rice’s market strategies drove growth of $5 billion in two years.

“Cristal has a demonstrated track record for leading high-performing teams and standing up new business development organizations,” said PAE President and CEO John Heller in a statement. “Her leadership will be key to expanding our aviation support offerings and growing our Global Mission Services business.”

Her portfolio includes business development efforts with specialized aircraft, missiles and fleet readiness experience at various companies, including Raytheon, Chromalloy Component Services, Rolls-Royce Aero Engine Controls and Pratt & Whitney.

Rice holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering and a bachelor’s in economics, both from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

“Excited to join the PAE team to deliver world class solutions to meet the mission for our customers and the war fighter!” Rice posted on LinkedIn.

PAE’s 20,000 employees deliver government services in approximately 60 countries.