Billie J. Cook is an energized professional with more than twenty five years of combined experience in Human Resources & Administration (HR&A) supporting various industries to include government/ defense contracting, industrial/manufacturing, and shipbuilding/ship repair. Ms. Cook joined the Colonna’s Shipyard team in 2023 and serves in a senior leadership capacity, providing support in various areas to include talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, labor classification/compensation, talent/leadership development and regulatory compliance.Previously, Ms. Cook served as Asst. Vice President at Valkyrie Enterprises providing leadership and direction for their national/international Human Resources programs. Ms. Cook also served in strategic HR positions within the Huntington Ingalls Industries enterprise (multiple business units) for more than a decade. Noted for her exceptional performance in driving process excellence, leading effective employee performance/development efforts, as well as creating and reinforcing collaborative business partnerships, she is a recognized force in developing and leading successful human capital and talent strategies. Ms. Cook is experienced and skilled at strengthening engagement through effective employee relations, improving a company’s competitive edge by implementing efficient and compliant HR processes, and designing successful talent acquisition programs. Additionally, she specializes in EEO & Diversity leadership as well as Affirmative Action Planning, internal/external OFCCP & EEO compliance and audit readiness, and leading Ethics & Business Conduct programs.As an award-winning HR practitioner, Ms. Cook is often a featured speaker/presenter on topics of workforce development, regulatory compliance, and diversity in the workplace. She is an innovative business partner to various agencies to include Virginia Employment Commission, Virginia Career Works, and Virginia Department of Veteran Services-V3 program and is a proud recipient of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ Community Partner of the Year award. For her ongoing personal and professional efforts to increase meaningful and self-sufficient employment for individuals and Veterans with disabilities, Ms. Cook was appointed to and served on the Virginia State Rehabilitation Council as a member representing business-industry-labor. She is currently engaged with Hampton Roads Workforce Council-Regional Workforce Training System and Virginia Ship Repair Foundation boards.