Newport News Shipbuilding leaders supported the Project Management Institute Hampton Roads (PMIHR) Professional Development Conference, held Oct. 25 in Virginia Beach.

About 150 project managers from various industries attended to share knowledge and foster professional growth.

“Due to the size and complexity of programs at NNS, we have a lot of knowledge, best practices and experience to share with project/program managers from other companies,” said Kela Lofton, program manager for the USS Boise (SSN 764) engineered overhaul, who led the conference planning team.

Jason Ward, vice president of Virginia-Class Submarine Construction, delivered the keynote address and spoke on a panel. Brian Wolfe, program director of the Columbia-Class Submarine Program, also delivered a talk.

NNS project managers found the conference beneficial, including Jillian Simms, who serves as president of the Program Management Shipbuilders Association (PMSA).

“The Professional Development Conference really tapped into what we need to continue our development as effective project managers,” she said. “Diving deeper into leadership, communication and the latest tools and technology is how we get better.”