When Human Resources & Communications VP John Slipke closes the door to his office Sept. 1 after working for almost 33 years, he won’t be retiring-retiring. He is just beginning a new chapter in his life.

John says he will be consulting and doing a lot of volunteer work back home in Greenville, S.C.

“I have been involved with several nonprofit organizations since I have been in Albuquerque,” he says. “Now I will have more time to be involved with the community in Greenville.” His wife, Bridget, will join him in retirement soon. “Bridget is happy I’m retiring and coming home,” John says. Because of previous commitments, John’s family has remained in Greenville while he has been in New Mexico. John has three children, Ryan, Devin, and Michael.

John’s career with Lockheed Martin began in California and took him to Texas, South Carolina, and finally Sandia and the Land of Enchantment. He has also been involved with several of Lockheed Martin’s international operations in the Middle East, Europe, and South America, as well as joint ventures in China, Hungary, and Malaysia. His work included all the human resource functions — staffing, compensation, benefits, and labor relations.

Challenging issues, mission focus

John says there have been difficult issues to deal with since he got here.

“The issues associated with our healthcare and pension costs have been challenging,” he says. “Even with these issues, the workforce at Sandia has continued to focus on the mission. This is one of the strengths of the Laboratories.”

John has made himself at home in Albuquerque. In addition to serving on various community boards he is a graduate of the 2010 class of Leadership New Mexico. Through that organization he had the opportunity to
meet and visit people around the state.

“New Mexicans are very open and friendly,” says John. “They are warm and inviting. I will return to Albuquerque to see the many friends I have made.”

John will miss the Lobos basketball team. “I’ve had season tickets for Lobo basketball the last three years,” he says. “The Pit is a great basketball venue.” John has learned to love the New Mexico climate and will miss it greatly when he returns to South Carolina.

On most weekends, John could be seen lugging his golf clubs as he played another round of golf. If you happened to be on one of Albuquerque’s beautiful bike trails and noticed a tall biker pedaling past you, it might have been John. “The weather here is so nice,” says
John, “I took up cycling.

“I am very proud and honored to have worked at Sandia,” he adds. “It has exceeded my expectations. It is
a tremendous organization. Sandia helped me grow personally and professionally. My experience here has
been very rewarding.

“I will miss the people here as Sandia. I am proud to have been a part of this unique institute. But I am happy to return to my family and home.”