President and COO
General Dynamics
2011 rank: 41
Age: 54
Novakovic is primed to become the most senior woman in the aerospace and defense industry on Jan. 1, when she'll take over as CEO of the $33-billion-in-revenue defense contractor. General Dynamics promoted the former CIA officer to the COO role earlier this year, also giving her a board seat.
For the latest on the most influential women in business, philanthropy, government, and the arts, like us on Facebook. 
