NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Aug. 24, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) announced today that Karen Velkey has been promoted to the position of corporate vice president, benefits and compensation, effectively immediately. She reports to Corporate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Bill Ermatinger.

“Karen brings a wealth of experience, unparalleled dedication, high energy and an in-depth understanding of benefits and compensation to her new role,” Ermatinger said. “I look forward to working with her as an integral part of the human resources team at HII.”

In her new position, Velkey has responsibility for formulating and maintaining competitive benefit and compensation programs for HII, including executive compensation, salary and wage administration, incentives, deferred compensation, health and welfare insurance, and retirement benefits.

Velkey joined HII in April 2011 and has more than 20 years of experience in human resources. She most recently served as director, corporate compensation, and previously worked at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, Northrop Grumman Corp. and Double G Coatings Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Millsaps College and an MBA from the University of Montana.