With nearly three decades of experience, Tonia Powell began her career at Ingalls as a welder. Now a principal systems engineer in the Engineering Research department, she helps manage multimillion dollar contracts and independent research projects.

As a project manager, she is part of a team responsible for researching innovative solutions, improving the manufacturing process, and reducing the construction and repair costs of naval platforms. 

Tonia understands that her process improvements directly benefit the current state and future sustainability of our shipyard.

“Every deliverable is a representation of Ingalls,” said Tonia. “I pour my time and effort into every product to make certain they all exceed the customer’s expectations.”

Tonia’s daily motivation stems from her respect for the shipbuilders that construct these elite Naval and Coast Guard vessels. Her attention to detail can be seen in every task she does and in her capability to manage a diverse customer base that consists of Operations, Supply Chain Management, Quality and more.

Tonia’s work ethic and integrity resulted in a 100 percent customer acceptance rate and trust in her departmental leadership. 

"Working alongside someone as talented as Mrs. Powell is rewarding because I know I can trust and rely on her, and her quality never wanes," said Ambre Cauley, portfolio manager, Research & Development.

Tonia consistently displays outstanding teamwork and shows up with a can-do attitude. 

“Quality is always at the forefront of every task that I’m responsible for,” she said. “My efforts are clearly driven by support to the assurance that our military presence, deterrence and security of the open seas is effectively enabled for enforcement by our service members.”

Thank you, Tonia, for truly exemplifying the mantra “Quality Matters.”