Wilkinson previously served as president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mississippi’s largest industrial employer. Named to the position in 2021, she led more than 11,000 shipbuilders who design, build, and maintain amphibious ships, destroyers, and cutters for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. Prior to becoming president, Wilkinson served in a number of roles during her nearly three decades at Ingalls, including vice president of program management, and positions in Engineering, Program Management and Operations.

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.

Wilkinson believes in serving the community in which she lives and was active in Mississippi on boards and executive committees for the Gulf Coast Business Council, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, Mississippi Economic Council and Mississippi Power Company. She brings this same sense of service with her to Virginia.