Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin held an appreciation luncheon last week for the seven engagement, diversity and inclusion champions who were nominated for ED&I Champion of the Year.

Boykin commended the team of nominees and winner – Mattie Stovall – for the impact they are making in their roles. She also shared with the nominees the origin of the ED&I champion program and how embedding champions throughout the organization helps improve business operations and intentionally focus on shipbuilders’ well-being. In addition to Stovall, nominees included Allison Callahan, Justin Clemmons, Steven Blea, Randy Brunson, Cameron Muro and Sheila Ellis.

“To have a healthy business we must invest in our people, our plant, and our future,” Boykin said.

During the luncheon, Danyelle Saunders, lead of O18’s ED&I Office, announced plans to expand the ED&I Champion of the Year recognition to include additional awards for which any NNS employee can be nominated in the second quarter of this year. Employees should look for more information soon on the recognition program expansion launch and nomination process.

Since 2019, Boykin has hosted an annual recognition celebration to highlight the work and impact of ED&I champions across the company. Those honored during the luncheon were nominated by their divisional champion leads or leaders for their advocacy of engagement, diversity and inclusion by bringing awareness and education to the workforce for actions that improve our work culture of excellence.