On April 6, L.E.A.R.N. co-hosted an after-work event with guest speaker Gary Artybridge, Community Relations manager, which also included a presentation by Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources and Trades.

Artybridge kicked off the event by celebrating Newport News Shipbuilding volunteers, showcasing some of the organizations with which Community Relations has partnered and explaining how those interested in volunteering can sign up for many different opportunities using the YourCause platform. Because April was National Volunteer Month, this was a fitting way to kick off the event. Beale echoed the sentiment by also recognizing NNS volunteers, saying that there is nothing more precious than your time and giving back to help others.

Beale’s presentation was about his career journey from pipefitter to vice president, and he weaved in stories and lessons learned over the years as he provided an overview of the Human Resources and Trades organization and its strategic priorities. Human Resources and Trades is one of the company’s largest organizations, and it exists to deliver an engaged, productive workforce that works to achieve NNS’ commitments. Beale went on to say that each decision he makes is for the benefit of the men and women on the deckplate who work tirelessly every day to build the vessels NNS delivers to the U.S. Navy. He believes every person in this company is important and is proud of NNS’ shipbuilders.

If you missed the event, you can visit the L.E.A.R.N. website to view the presentation. If you have topic ideas for future L.E.A.R.N. events, email L.E.A.R.N. at [email protected].