NNS Director Receives Women in Business Award

Dru Branche, health and safety director for Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division, was recognized as a recipient of an Inside Business 2013 Women in Business Achievement Award.

Branche was presented with the award Monday during a banquet held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. “It’s a great honor to be recognized among this group of tremendously pioneering, creative and entrepreneurial women,” Branche said.

Branche is responsible for NNS’ environmental, safety, industrial hygiene, medical services and wellness programs, as well as compliance, workers’ compensation and leave services.

In her 30 years at the shipyard, Branche’s work history has run the gamut from warehousing and logistics to serving as a construction superintendent on USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and construction director on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

“Dru is so deserving of this recognition,” said Bill Bell, NNS’ vice president of human resources and administration. “Her wealth of knowledge, incredible work ethic and dedication to her fellow shipbuilders is admirable. She is an asset to Newport News Shipbuilding, and we congratulate her for this accomplishment.”

[mappress]

Press Release, December 20, 2013