L.E.A.R.N., in collaboration with the WiSE and HOLA employee resource groups, held two after-work events featuring Newport News Shipbuilding leadership.

On Sept. 30, Tim Taylor, vice president of Engineering, Technology, and Design, delivered a presentation about ET&D’s goals, mission, beliefs, and the nine departments that make up the largest salaried organization at NNS.

“I enjoyed attending Tim Taylor’s L.E.A.R.N. event,” said Alexandra Clark (E35). “As an ET&D employee, it is helpful to understand the VP’s perspective and hear his responses to questions on shipbuilder’s minds.”

On Oct. 6, Matt Needy, vice president of Charleston Operations, touched on his 35-year-plus career at NNS, leading into his management of the site in Charleston, S.C. There has been a generational increase in U.S. submarine demand, and Needy made it clear that Charleston Operations is a major contributor in the NNS distributed shipbuilding network. He also spoke about the history of the “lowcountry,” the purchase of W International and planned site improvements in Charleston.

“Matt gave a great presentation about his career, as well as an insightful overview of Charleston Operations’ capabilities and strategy to meet the production demands for programs at NNS,” said Conlan Hsu (E66). “Matt was also generous with his time after the presentation, greeting and answering questions from attendees during the networking reception. I was even able to set up some work-related meetings with machining contacts he and his Director Mark Schmitt (C201) provided that have directly benefitted my department.”

Please check Currents for upcoming events. Shipbuilders with topic ideas for future events should email [email protected].