“Anyone willing to strive to do their best and learn from their surroundings can reach those peaks.”
Matthew Smith began his career at age 22 through Newport News Shipbuilding’s apprenticeship program. Today, he leads a team of 54 on Mission Technologies’ $65M C‑5 task order in Warner Robins, Georgia.
Here’s how Smith carved his own path and how the people around him helped shape the journey.
A Pivot Can Change Everything
“In early 2001, I had just turned 22 years old and found out I was about to be a father,” Smith said. “I had been working retail management since high school and knew I needed something more stable with regular set hours that could forge a real career path.”
Let Coworkers Help Create Leaders
“It’s difficult to pinpoint the most pivotal moment in my growth, but I believe it’s the co‑workers and supervisors along the way who encouraged that growth that really made a difference,” he said. “In their own individual way, they saw something in me, fostered that potential and urged me to pursue it.”
Smith credits many colleagues for shaping his journey—from Joyce Wright and Lana Ponsonby on the Newport News waterfront, to Walt Fortenberry and Randall Ware in the chemistry lab, to Joe Brackin and Dean Royal in design, and Jodie Young, Ross Eaton and Jeff Showalter in Mission Technologies’ All‑Domain Operations group.
Some of the Best Leaders Start on the Floor
“It’s been a very gradual transition over the years, which I think was beneficial,” Smith said. “Spending years on the waterfront and machine shops, then moving onto engineering design and now into program management, has allowed me to experience multiple facets of the industry. When you have that knowledge, you can better understand the challenges and needs.
“I’m a huge proponent of promoting from within,” he added. “Some of the best supervisors and leads I’ve encountered over the years are the individuals who started in the field and worked their way up.”
Try The Mini‑Goal Strategy
“I’ve always made it a point to focus on my work, put forth as much effort as I can, and set forth ‘mini goals’ to reach each day, week or month,” Smith said. “Furthermore, we are surrounded by a wealth of knowledge within our co‑workers, and I’m constantly learning from them. I do my best to not let them down, and as a result, they do the same for me.
“It may sound simple, but anyone willing to strive to do their best and learn from their surroundings can reach those peaks,” he said.
Find What Drives Your Work
“Our group is filled with individuals who know this aircraft thoroughly and can provide the best possible resources needed by our customer,” Smith said. “I believe that the C‑5 SPO office recognizes that and values not just our input but the quality of our work. Our contributions ensure the longevity of the C‑5’s lifespan by offering innovative updates and vast technical knowledge.”
Looking back at nearly three decades of service at HII, Smith sees the same motivations that brought him through The Apprentice School doors still guiding him today: “Wanting to further my career, making a difference and providing as much as I can for my family.”
“I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had within HII over the years,” he said. “This company has truly helped me build a career, work with some of the most amazing people, and do things I never thought possible.”
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Matthew Smith demonstrates how HII’s Leadership Capability Framework principle of Build Relationships drives both individual growth and team success. His journey shows that when leaders form meaningful connections and learn from colleagues at every level, they gain the broad perspective needed to tackle complex challenges.
Learn more about HII’s Leadership Capability Framework and how to put it into action here.
