Today, I share the bittersweet news that after much thought and careful consideration, I will retire as president of Newport News Shipbuilding at the end of this year. It is the right time for me personally as I look forward to spending more time with my family, including the latest addition of our first grandchild.
It has been my absolute honor and greatest privilege to serve as your president. Over the past few years, we’ve faced some of the toughest challenges in our long and glorious history, and addressed them head-on – fearlessly and transparently. And while our work is never done, I remain confident in you, and will transition into retirement knowing you will lead on to continued greatness.
I am very happy to share that Kari Wilkinson will transition from her role as president of Ingalls to serve as the 21st president of Newport News Shipbuilding, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Kari will bring great energy, technical excellence and strong leadership to NNS, and I believe her different perspectives and experiences will serve this great company well. She is the right leader at the right time, and I ask you to join me in welcoming her into our NNS family.
Over the next two months, Kari and I will work closely to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. I also look forward to meeting with shipbuilders across the yard to thank you for your hard work and commitment. I will remain with HII through the first part of next year to provide support for key corporate efforts.
It is impossible to sum up a 37-year career in a short letter. But I can say this: If in my youth, someone told me I would one day lead the greatest shipyard and the finest shipbuilders to build the most amazing ships in the world, I never would have believed it!
Without a doubt, I will miss most the extraordinary people who make Newport News Shipbuilding such a special place to work. Thank you for believing in the dignity of hard work, craftsmanship, and the purpose of our mission.
With sincere thanks and respect,
Jennifer Boykin
President, Newport News Shipbuilding
