NEWPORT NEWS, Va., August 10, 1998—Kathleen Thomas has joined Newport News Shipbuilding (NYSE: NNS), America’s largest ship design and construction company, as Director, Leadership and Organization Development.

In this newly created position, Thomas will focus on the enhancement of the company’s leadership principles as well as performance management, succession planning, organizational assessment and leadership development.

She comes to Newport News with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of Human Resources. Before joining Newport News Shipbuilding she was Director, Human Resources Planning and Integration for the Vanguard Group, a financial services provider based in Philadelphia, Pa. Prior to that she was Director of Corporate Training for PECo, a utility company in Pennsylvania.

"We are very pleased that Kathy has joined us," said Al Little, NNS Vice President for Human Resources and Environmental, Health and Safety. "Her broad experience in human resources and superior background in management development will help the company better focus on leadership performance, organization and other people-related issues."

Thomas holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from George Washington University.

Newport News Shipbuilding is America’s premier shipbuilding company with annual revenues of approximately $1.7 billion and 18,000 employees. The company is the leader in the design and construction of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U. S. Navy.