Dick Kirtley
is a speaker, humorist and instructor. Following a 20 year career as a Naval Officer, he joined Lockheed in 1987, and, for the next 18 years, as the company grew, was acquired by BAE Systems, and became a premier provider of defense electronics, Dick held positions in QA Management, Program Management, and Operations Program Management, retiring in 2006 as Director of Operations.

In October ’96, Dick offered a four-hour pilot course to Lockheed management called “Humor in the Workplace – Creating a Positive Environment”, stressing that “appropriate humor can help build career success, gain attention, create rapport, relieve tension and stress, build teamwork and make a message more memorable.” In view of the overwhelming response from the managers and supervisors in the pilot, the course became a regular quarterly offering in the Lockheed Training and Development Catalog.

Dick traveled throughout the Lockheed Martin and BAE SYSTEMS family with his uplifting message. His personal speaking business, “Laugh To Live”, has allowed him to spread his unique message internationally. Dick’s unique approach to life and profession aided his success in his career. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1967 and served first as a Surface Line Officer, and then a Contracting Officer. He was in Vietnam in 1969 – 70 as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Riverboat Navy. Dick has also been active in numerous theater groups, and for several years provided professional comic party entertainment. In the Navy and at BAE SYSTEMS, he lived what he preached, and is best remembered for his numerous roasts, hosting of special events, and humorous teachings.

Education and Personal:

Dick received a Bachelor of Science from the US Naval Academy in 1967, and a Masters of Science in Contracting Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, in 1979. He and his wife, Debbie, now live in Palm Coast, Florida. They have five children, (hers, his and theirs!), and five grandchildren.

Visit with Dick at www.laughtolive.com or call (386) 986-4533.

Listen to an excerpt of Dick's Seminar >>