Nicholas D. Chabraja

A former CEO and chairman of defense contractor General Dynamics. Nicholas Chabraja helped to streamline and expand the company, leading it to acquire Gulfstream Aerospace Group, Motorola's defense division, General Motors' defense division and Veridian.

Chabraja earned his B.A. and J.D. from Northwestern University and began his career with the law firm Jenner & Block in 1968, making partner in 1984. While at Jenner & Block, he became familiar with General Dynamics' legal situations. In 1986, he became special counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives. Chabraja then joined General Dynamics in 1992 as special counsel and senior vice president. He moved up through management until he became CEO and chairman in 1997, positions he held until 2009.