Wilkinson began her career at Ingalls Shipbuilding in 1996 as an associate naval architect. Over her 28-year tenure, she has held a range of positions in Engineering, Program Management, and Business Development, where she supported multiple programs, coordinated the prioritization of equipment and processes in Operations during the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort, and was as a ship program manager for the San Antonio-class LPD program on the waterfront. Prior to assuming the role of President, Wilkinson was vice president of program management, where she had profit and loss responsibility for all elements of program execution and served as the principal liaison to the Navy and Coast Guard for all platforms in the Ingalls portfolio.

Wilkinson is passionate about shipbuilders and has worked hard with her team to secure serial production contracts for both the destroyer and amphibious ship programs, and is unwavering in her dedication to service. Originally from Michigan, Wilkinson holds a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan, and an MBA from Temple University.

Active in her community, Wilkinson serves on the Boards of Directors for the Gulf Coast Business Council, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Mississippi Economic Council and Mississippi Power.