Dear Team,
Doing business in the defense industry requires rigorous adherence to a complex labyrinth of rules, regulations, and strict compliance measures. As we have seen in recent headlines, non-compliant defense contractors risk hefty fines and penalties and face potential suspension and debarment from future defense contracts, damage to their reputation, and possible legal action. Furthermore, non-compliance can compromise national security and undermine public trust.
HII has long recognized that an effective ethics and compliance program is a requirement of performing with integrity. As HII continues to grow and establish a larger presence, both geographically and in business diversity, compliance is more important than ever. Recognizing compliance excellence can help further drive employee participation in our compliance program and enhance the one key aspect of our compliance program that sets it apart from others: individual accountability.
In 2022, we presented our first-ever HII Compass Awards for Compliance. This prestigious award is presented annually to four employees — one from the corporate office and one employee from each of the three divisions — who have shown exceptional commitment to our Compliance Program; taken active steps to support compliance work plans; diligently promoted continuous compliance improvement; demonstrated thought leadership on effective controls and ways to prevent and detect misconduct; led as a compliance champion; and positively impacted the company’s culture of ethics and compliance
Today, I am pleased to announce the 2024 winners of the HII Compass Award for Compliance, as follows:
Corporate Office: Dawn Smith, Corporate Director, Culture and Ethics
Ingalls Shipbuilding: Burt Adkison, Director, Industrial Engineering
Mission Technologies: Doris Jones, Program Cost Control Analyst 3, Business Management
Newport News Shipbuilding: Dave Vandegrift, Director, Waterfront Support
Please join me in congratulating Dawn, Doris, Burt, and Dave as the recipients of the 2024 HII Compass Award for Compliance.
Sincerely,
Paul C. Harris
Executive Vice President
Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer
