Misty Holmes

BizTUCSONJuly 7, 2026

2 minutes read

VP, Naval Shipboard Missiles
Raytheon

By Rodney Campbell

On her way to becoming a Raytheon senior executive responsible for a multi-billion-dollar defense portfolio, Misty Holmes built her leadership philosophy at the intersection of engineering and advocacy.

Holmes serves as VP of naval shipboard missiles at RTX’s Raytheon business, where she leads one of the company’s defense portfolios.

“At my core, I’m an engineer and problem solver,” Holmes said. “I love tackling technical and operational challenges by bringing a diverse team together and empowering them to solve what others think is impossible.”

Her leadership philosophy was also shaped through deeply personal advocacy work. Holmes has two teenage daughters, the youngest of whom has Down syndrome. Holmes serves on the board of the National Down Syndrome Society.

“I found my calling in leadership in both my career and personal life when I became a mother,” she said. “Advocating for my daughter taught me resilience, empathy and the importance of building systems that allow every person to thrive.”

Holmes has visited Capitol Hill to advocate for individuals with disabilities and has supported Down syndrome research and inclusion initiatives.

“You learn a tremendous amount about leadership when you’re leading volunteers,” she said. “People follow purpose, authenticity, and trust.”

Holmes joined Raytheon in 2020. She believes the best solutions emerge when organizations foster open dialogue and diversity.

“I want to make sure every voice is heard,” she said. “We don’t all have to agree, but we need thoughtful debate, professional dialogue, and a willingness to challenge each other to get to the best outcome.”

Six years into her Raytheon career, Holmes remains focused on making an impact.

“I want to continue to lead and impact change,” she said. “I take great pride in solving problems and making incremental progress.”

When Holmes and her family relocated to Southern Arizona, they worked with Camille Rivas-Rutherford as their realtor. What began as a professional relationship evolved into a lasting friendship. The two share a love of jazz and enjoy performances at the Century Room inside Hotel Congress.

“Misty is a true Renaissance woman: an inspiring executive, a devoted mother, a passionate advocate and an incredibly loyal friend,” Rivas-Rutherford said. “She is beautiful inside and out, with a heart of gold, and I am so proud to know her and call her my friend.”

Tucson immediately felt like home for the Holmes family.

“We immediately loved it,” she said. “We love the mountains, the authenticity of the community, and the quality of life. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family and build a meaningful life.”