The Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Conference is held annually to recognize the contributions of individuals who are developing innovation and blazing the trail in their professional careers related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. For 37 years, the BEYA STEM awards have continued to provide employers throughout the country with the opportunity to voice the accomplishments of minorities in STEM. For 2023, BEYA’s theme is Becoming Everything You Are.
We’re proud to announce that this year, four talented Electric Boat employees are recipients of the Modern-Day Technology Leader Outstanding Achievement Award. The Modern Day Technology Leader Award recognizes bright men and women who are shaping the future of engineering, science and technology through cutting-edge technology and research. Our winners demonstrate what Becoming Everything You Are means through their commitment and dedication that shapes us to be the world’s premier submarine builder.
The 2023 BEYA Awards Ceremony is taking place on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, where our fellow colleagues Christopher Wells, Delano Wilson, Ikechukwu Chima and Marin Sorcek will be awarded for their continuous hard work and success. General Dynamics (GD) will hold a separate ceremony dinner on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort to personally recognize winners from GD business units.
Christopher Wells
Engineering Supervisor, VCS Internal Structures
Christopher Wells started his career at EB in 1999 as a Project Engineer. During his time at Electric Boat, he transferred through various organizations including Operations, Quality and Engineering. In 2021, he was promoted to Engineering Supervisor, overseeing a team for the Subsea and Seabed Warfare Program for the Virginia-class submarine. Christopher is a member of EB’s Black Engagement Council (BEC) Employee Resource Group and a member of various organizations including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).
“Winning this award is definitely an achievement for me, because it recognizes all of the hard work that I’ve contributed to the various Design and Engineering programs I’ve been involved with, and also highlights some of the milestones that I’ve accomplished during my career here at EB. Looking back at my experience at EB, I can honestly say that winning this award is a proud moment for me and my family. This award motivates me to continue to set a standard of excellence and quality in everything that I do. It also gives my engineering team a sense of pride that their supervisor achieved this great accomplishment.”
Delano Wilson
Engineering Supervisor, Systems
Delano Wilson started his career at EB in 2012 as an Engineer in the Reactor Plant Planning Yard. During his time at Electric Boat, he has continued to be promoted to positions with greater responsibility due to his work ethic and technical ability. He is now an Engineering Supervisor, responsible for resolving technical construction and design issues in multiple disciplines for Columbia construction at the Newport News shipyard. Delano is a member of EB’s Black Engagement Council (BEC) Employee Resource Group, the previous BEC Director of External Programs and a member of various organizations including Phi-Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the National Society of Black Engineers (NBBE) and is a mentor and youth leader at Ivy Baptist Church.
“Winning this award feels like the culmination of 10 years of striving for excellence on the job from a technical and personnel standpoint. I feel honored and grateful for all of the opportunities that I’ve had in my career and for the heartwarming letters of recommendation from my peers, mentors and management. This award will represent a personal reminder of both the success that I’ve had in my career and motivation to keep pushing toward future success. I hope it also inspires my fellow engineers as they pursue their career goals.”
Ikechukwu Chima​
Operations Supervisor, Outside Electricians
Ikechukwu Chima started his career at EB in 2018 as an Operations Supervisor in the Career Development (CD) Program. During his time at Electric Boat, he has transitioned through various roles in Operations and Engineering while increasing his roles and responsibilities. Ikechukwu is a member of EB’s Black Engagement Council (BEC) Employee Resource Group and the owner/driver of Chima Motorsports, LLC.
“It is an honor to be a recipient of this award early on in my career. It highlights the contributions I make on a daily basis as a leader at Electric Boat. To be recognized at this level is a humbling experience that I will carry for the rest of my career. This award provides further motivation to keep challenging myself and others around me to continue performing work with careful attention to detail, high quality and a commitment to excellence.”
Marin Sorcek
Engineering Supervisor, Emergency Planning
Marin Sorcek started her career at EB in 2015 as an Engineer in the Radiological Controls (RADCON) department before transitioning to an Emergency Planning Engineer. In this role, she supported the Radiological Technical Branch of the Radiological Emergency Response Organization. She has greatly contributed to maintaining Electric Boat’s relationship with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Marin has gained increased responsibilities and roles through her dedication and commitment. She was the principle leader in obtaining Naval Sea Systems Command’s approval and implementing a web-based application for the entire Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Due to this dedication, she was promoted to Radiological Controls Supervisor in 2021.
“Being recognized for my dedication, determination and integrity is one of the greatest achievements of my career to date. Winning this award validates all of the barriers that I have overcome and motivates me to continuously improve myself. This award motivates me to continue to evaluate how technology can streamline our processes and improve our products.”
Congratulations to Christopher, Delano, Ikechukwu and Marin on their exceptional achievements!
To learn more about BEYA and for more information on how to nominate an employee for future BEYA Awards, contact the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement at EB_DEIE@gdeb.com.
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ​​...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded.  Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
Celebrating Our Next Generation of Shipbuilders
The Next Generation of Shipbuilders Takes the Stage Over the past two weeks, Electric Boat welcomed the next generation of shipbuilders at our Rhode Island and Connecticut Signing Day celebrations, marking the beginning of a journey that will help shape the future of our company and our nation’s defense. Held at Cranston High School West...Continue reading→
Update: Gold Star Bridge Project – Upcoming Traffic Impacts
CT DOT is preparing to enter the next major phase of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project, and employees should expect new traffic patterns that may affect travel to and from EB’s Groton and New London facilities. A crossover will direct two northbound lanes onto the southbound bridge, as shown in this CT DOT...Continue reading→
PCU Utah Floats Off
PCU Utah (SSN 801) floated off the pontoon in Graving Dock #3 on Sunday, May 17, her hull seeing water for the first time. Huge congratulations to every Electric Boat shipbuilder whose hard work and dedication brought Utah to this major milestone!
Pathways to the Deep Officially Opens at Mystic Aquarium
On Monday, May 11th, we officially cut the ribbon on Pathways to the Deep, a brand-new interactive exhibit at Mystic Aquarium that connects ocean science, technology, exploration and careers through hands-on learning and discovery. This collaborative effort between General Dynamics Electric Boat, Mystic Aquarium, the Submarine Industrial Base and Build Submarines was created to spark curiosity and...Continue reading→
Electric Boat featured in ADC’s ‘Homefront’ Video Series
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of the Association of Defense Communities’ (ADC) Homefront video series, which examines military communities across the country.  The episode highlights Electric Boat’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy, the generations of shipbuilders who power our mission and the opportunities ahead for the next wave of...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 19: Operations Leadership Hiring Initiative
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha speaks with Chief of Talent Acquisition Meredith Kyle on the ways the company is boosting operations leadership hiring. Joining them is Konrad Wennberg and Mike Simmons, who provide insight on their internal moves from engineering to operations supervisor positions.​
