Home and family
Virginia Beach; sons Patrick, Christopher and Billy and daughters-in-law Heather, Rachel and Tracey; grandchildren Jake, Haley, Jack, Billy, Maddy and Tommy.
What you do in your job 
I oversee the mission of Navy League here in Hampton Roads supporting the Sea Services, which include Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.
Career progression
I was the first woman president of Navy League and then became its first executive director, which I have been for the past 10 years.
Proudest business achievement 
Personally, it was raising my sons and watching them develop into caring, successful individuals, each in their own way. Professionally, it was the commissioning of USS George H.W. Bush. This was our 21st commissioning that included more than 25,000 citizens. It honored our 41st president as the ship’s namesake with a crew in excess of 4,000.
Biggest factor in your success 
Surround yourself with the best possible people, people who know something you don’t. Be respectful of each person’s talents and then get the job done.
Professional, business activities 
Board of directors, Nauticus, The National Maritime Center; board of directors, Children’s Health System; board president, The King’s Daughters; board vice president, Dolphin Scholarship Foundation; board chair, Anchor Scholarship Foundation; board director, USO.
Volunteer activities
Member of the Royal Order of the Neptune Festival; active member of King’s Daughters Circle for more than 25 years.
How do you balance your time?
Having a career that you love and a family that is so supportive helps my day-to-day activities evolve. I wish I could say I have a plan but I don’t. Life is short. We need to live ours to its full potential.
Biggest obstacles you have faced
Somehow, some way we always find solutions to what seem to be obstacles. Certainly raising funds for projects is a challenge.
How have you overcome some of your challenges? 
Get the right people around you with a common goal and principles.
Professional goal in the next five years 
Begin the commissioning process for the next aircraft carrier, the first of the new class, USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78. Seek out more young professionals to become involved with Navy League and help them recognize the value of community service and how it can enhance their careers.
Advice for women in the workforce
Keep learning. Be open to new ways of doing things. Have a sense of humor and always be a lady.
What you do in your downtime
I love to read and I enjoy my grandchildren.
What gets under your skin?
People who feel the need to always be right.