Chessie Bray
Elizabeth City
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. Active Secret security clearance.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Affairs Officer
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
10.2023 - Current
- Advised the Shipyard Commanding Officer and senior leadership on public affairs, strategic communication, and policy implications, managing sensitive issues and stakeholder relationships.
- Prepared internal and external communication materials for the Commanding Officer.
- Led the development and implementation of communication strategies during crises, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination to internal and external stakeholders. Strategic plans developed for executive order implementation were recognized by Naval Sea Systems Command as the standard for all naval shipyards.
- Oversaw responses to external inquiries including Congressional and national media queries.
- Supervised a team responsible for visual communications, publications, digital media, and protocol procedures.
Program/Business Manager
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
12.2021 - 10.2023
- Managed the command radiological controls program, directing personnel and resources to achieve strategic objectives and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Led a team of four GS-14 division heads and one GS-13 branch head, managing performance, resolving grievances, and enforcing EEO policies.
- Implemented innovative employee development programs, including leadership core competencies, IDPs, and shadowing programs, enhancing employee skills and career progression.
- Drove continuous improvement through codified surveillance and self-assessment programs, ensuring timely completion of commitments and effective audit corrective actions.
Deputy Director
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
06.2020 - 12.2021
- Managed the command radiological controls program, directing personnel and resources to achieve strategic objectives and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Led a team of four GS-14 division heads and one GS-13 branch head, managing performance, resolving grievances, and enforcing EEO policies.
- Implemented innovative employee development programs, including leadership core competencies, IDPs, and shadowing programs, enhancing employee skills and career progression.
- Drove continuous improvement through codified surveillance and self-assessment programs, ensuring timely completion of commitments.
Acting Division Head
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
01.2020 - 06.2020
- Led division operations, providing technical expertise and strategic direction in planning, prioritizing, and executing work.
- Managed a team of five supervisors and administrative staff, overseeing key functions such as recruitment, performance management, workforce planning, and budget administration.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Managed stakeholder communications, providing regular project and funding updates to high-level agency officials and customers.
Business Manager Special Assignment
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
09.2019 - 01.2020
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive corrective action plan to improve the assessment of emergent work requests, contributing to overall process improvement.
- Led the implementation of the Command's "Balanced Command Management Plan," fostering balance in workload, budget, and workforce through effective communication across departments.
- Created and managed a mentorship program focused on improving interview skills, demonstrating leadership and commitment to employee development.
Multimedia and IT Supervisor
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
07.2012 - 09.2019
- Led a team of 15 technical professionals in the design, development, and delivery of advanced training programs, transforming an underperforming team into a recognized high-performing unit.
- Managed all aspects of training program development, including content creation, technical accuracy, and adherence to established standards.
- Spearheaded the creation and implementation of a streaming video service for on-demand training, enhancing accessibility and reach.
- Led the development of a computer-based qualification training program that eliminated $300,000 in annual travel expenses.
Project Engineering and Planning Manager
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
09.2009 - 07.2012
- Managed the lifecycle of ship systems and components, ensuring operational readiness of the fleet and completion of all approved nuclear maintenance within assigned project contracts.
- Oversaw a $100 million project work package (over 200,000 resource-days), serving as the primary liaison between project, engineering, and production teams.
- Monitored cost performance and proactively resolved work stoppages to minimize impact on project budgets and timelines.
Job Planning Leader
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
09.2007 - 09.2009
- Managed the planning and scheduling of work packages and technical documents, ensuring timely completion of project milestones.
- Utilized strong organizational skills to simultaneously track and route nearly 200 job packages through multiple review cycles.
- Drafted and managed project-related documentation, including memos, official letters, and validation reports.
Engineer
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
09.2002 - 09.2007
- Planned and coordinated lifecycle maintenance of components, ensuring operational readiness of the fleet. Authored complex technical work documents using technical drawings to provide detailed maintenance instructions.
- Streamlined maintenance processes by implementing remote staging for maintenance components, reducing shipping costs and improving response times.
- Improved cost efficiency by developing a plan to refurbish maintenance components and implementing an accountability system for specialized equipment.
- Evaluated material deficiencies in supply systems and recommended alternate materials, contributing to cost-effective and efficient operations.
Education
MBA -
College of William And Mary
Williamsburg, VA12-2010
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN08-2002
Skills
- Strategic communications
- Policy development and implementation
- Verbal and written communication
- Data analysis
- Team leadership
- Process improvements
- Project management
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Budgeting and resource management
- Advanced problem solving
- Employee management
Timeline
Public Affairs Officer
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
10.2023 - Current
Program/Business Manager
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
12.2021 - 10.2023
Deputy Director
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
06.2020 - 12.2021
Acting Division Head
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
01.2020 - 06.2020
Business Manager Special Assignment
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
09.2019 - 01.2020
Multimedia and IT Supervisor
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
07.2012 - 09.2019
Project Engineering and Planning Manager
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
09.2009 - 07.2012
Job Planning Leader
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
09.2007 - 09.2009
Engineer
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
09.2002 - 09.2007
MBA -
College of William And Mary
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Tennessee
Awards
All performance appraisals have been satisfactory or exceptional. Performance-based and Special Act Awards received every year since 2003.