Becky Stewart imagined she would one day be a businesswoman, complete with suit and briefcase climbing steps to corporate America. Today, her business attire often requires a hard hat and her climb is aboard nuclear-powered submarines.

In 2004, Mrs. Stewart became the first female vice president of the submarine program at Northrop Grumman Newport News. She is responsible for all aspects of new submarine programs, managing everything from planning and engineering to testing and delivering the ship.

“I get excited about delivering ships,” Mrs. Stewart said. “Seeing a product completed, knowing it’s a quality product as well as the long legacy it will have serving the country – it’s exciting!”

She began her career at Northrop Grumman Newport News (then Newport News Shipbuilding) in 1982 as a technical planner, advancing through computer administration and ship repair. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Christopher Newport University and a master’s degree from the College of William and Mary.

“The friendships, camaraderie and relationships I was able to build as an undergrad at Christopher Newport helped me in getting started on my career and success. It’s been inspiring to see the transformation of the college campus since I went to school there,” she said.

Mrs. Stewart and her husband, Jim, live in Smithfield.