Hicks, a fourth generation shipbuilder, began his career with the shipyard in 1991 as a pipe engineer in the Submarine Engineering Division. Since then, he has held numerous leadership positions in the Sealift Conversion Program and In-Service Aircraft Carrier Program, as well as the Aircraft Carrier New Construction Division where he was responsible for construction and integration of Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) machinery systems and components. Hicks served as NNS’ director of Facilities and Real Estate and was responsible for overseeing multiple large-scale capital initiatives, as well as sustaining and maintaining the core facility and assets across the company’s more than 550-acre campus. Prior to his current role, he served as vice president of New Construction Aircraft Carrier Programs and vice president of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Aircraft Carrier Construction.

Hicks earned a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering systems from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and a master’s degree in engineering management from the George Washington University. In 2015, Hicks was a recipient of the NNS President’s Model of Excellence Award for exceptional leadership. He previously served on the board of directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, and he is active in the local community as a coach for various youth sporting leagues.