HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES VICE PRESIDENT OF INVESTOR RELATIONS NAMED ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., April 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dwayne Blake, the corporate vice president of investor relations at Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII), has been named the 2015 Role Model of the Year by the Virginia Peninsula chapter of 100 Black Men of America. Blake was recognized Saturday night at the chapter's 23rd annual Black Tie Gala at the Newport News Marriott at City Center.

Each year a role model is selected based on his professional success and involvement in the community. Blake was named Role Model of the Year due to his career with HII and his volunteering with local organizations. Blake serves on the board of directors for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, Riverside Regional Medical Center and Habitat for Humanity Peninsula/Greater Williamsburg. He also serves as treasurer of his church, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple.

"Mr. Blake is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished both professionally and in the community if you are dedicated and have a giving spirit," said Alonzo Bell Jr., co-chairman of the gala committee that selects each year's role model. "He is an outstanding example to our youth."

Blake has served as corporate vice president of investor relations since 2013, following his time as corporate vice president, internal audit. He joined HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division in 1984 and has held positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, treasury, business management, contracts and pricing, and business planning. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Hampton University and an MBA from Old Dominion University.

Dwayne Blake, corporate vice president, investor relations

100 Black Men of America was founded in 1963 with the mission to improve quality of life and enhance educational opportunities for all African-Americans. With 116 chapters, the organization has a mentoring network that includes partners, sponsors, community organizations, business leaders and volunteers committed to working collaboratively for youth, families and communities. Chapters support public schools and award college scholarships in addition to offering community outreach workshops, seminars and fairs on topics such as wellness education and financial literacy.