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.
Happy Fourth of July
As America marks its 250th birthday, we celebrate the generations of shipbuilders whose skill and commitment have strengthened our nation, and especially thank our current generation of EB shipbuilders for all you’re doing to meet this challenging moment in history. Happy Fourth of July.
Electric Boat and SENEDIA Celebrate 10,000-Graduate Milestone
We are proud to recognize a major workforce milestone with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), one of Electric Boat’s key training and workforce development partners. At an event on July 1, 2026, held at the Westerly Education Center, SENEDIA celebrated the 10,000th graduate to complete the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—a regional...Continue reading→
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
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→
