One of Ingalls own shipbuilders will take the helm as next year’s Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce president. Jakavious Pickett, manager, Shipbuilder Engagement, was announced as the 2025 president-elect during the Chamber’s annual meeting on Tuesday, February 20. In all, 17 shipbuilders attended the meeting at the Beau Rivage to represent Ingalls.
Jakavious has been a part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber for nine years. With more than 250 coastal events that bring in over 20,000 attendees each year, Ingalls will be well represented under Jakavious’ leadership.
The Coast Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization of businesses throughout South Mississippi who each have the goal to improve the business climate in the Gulf South region.
Jakavious and his team, which consists of engagement specialist Rachael Kiesling and Anchor Apparel lead Wendy Dickson, work together to foster a culture of shipbuilder appreciation and help lead Ingalls’ employee resource groups (ERGs).
Six of the nine ERGs were represented at the Chamber’s annual meeting:
Kelsey Carter Polovich, ISEA (Ingalls Shipbuilding Equality Alliance)
Donna Melton, GIFT (Generational Integration Focus team)
Jennifer Presley, GIFT (Generational Integration Focus team)
Marla Cooper, APSA (Asian & Pacific Islander Shipbuilders Association)
Jason Hinkle, ISHIP (Ingalls Shipbuilders Health Is a Priority)
Libby Desselles, HOLA (Hispanic Outreach & Leadership Alliance)
Logan Killen, SWE (Shipbuilding Women Engineers)
Jennifer Childs, Current Leadership Gulf Coast Class
Josh Box, Current Leadership Gulf Coast Class
ERGs are a great way to get involved in the community and get to know your fellow shipbuilders. For more information on Ingalls ERGs, click here or email rachael.keisling@hii-ingalls.com.