March 28, 2018
CRANE, Ind. – From the "Sacred Twenty" - the first women to serve in the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908 - to today's pioneering female submariners, the Navy is full of women who have fought discrimination and blazed their own trails into the history books. From engineers to department heads, from working with cutting-edge technologies to fulfilling vital support roles, these employees are a critical part of the diverse, capable, world-class workforce necessary for success, today and in the future.
In observance of Women's History Month, Shannon Kasinger Clark, one of many female trailblazers at NSWC Crane, is highlighted.
Just a month after her college graduation – in June of 2004 – Shannon Kasinger Clark began working at NSWC Crane as a project engineer, supporting aircraft and aerospace electrochemical power source programs.
During her 14-year NSWC Crane career, Kasinger Clark has had the unique opportunity to work in all three of Crane’s mission areas – Electronic Warfare, Expeditionary Warfare and Strategic Missions –at various levels within the organization.
In 2007, she served as specialized department-level staff, which offered her exposure to both the business and technical aspects of Crane. This experience would serve as a pivotal point in her career.
“Each position has allowed me to make connections and build meaningful relationships,” Kasinger Clark said. “I’ve gained a tremendous appreciation for the different cultures that exist at Crane.”
Kasinger Clark currently serves as the branch manager for Expeditionary Command and Control (C2), where she manages a group of 18 employees primarily supporting Marine Corps C2 programs, including the Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S). Kasinger Clark leads her group through all aspects of the CAC2S efforts, including engineering changes, and new equipment fielding and delivery. NSWC Crane serves as the In-Service Engineering Agent and Acquisition Support/Engineering Services Agent on the CAC2S for Program Manager, Air Command & Control and Sensor Netting, Program Executive Office – Land Systems.
Kasinger Clark has evolved as a leader because she constantly pushes herself to venture outside her comfort zone and challenge herself in new ways. She encourages each member of her team to do the same, pushing them to take on challenges and appropriate risks to help in accelerating their development.
Kasinger Clark’s approach to leadership was greatly impacted by mentoring, which greatly influenced embracing her servant leadership style. She was mentored by Crane leaders and in turn, makes it her mission to mentor others.
“I see my calling as removing barriers for others and to serve employees through my passion, whether it be coaching or mentoring, to positively impact Crane.”
Kasinger Clark is currently on track to earn a master’s degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University this December, which she believes will help her better connect the public and private sectors. By furthering her education, Kasinger Clark hopes to continue to grow as a leader at Crane.
For Kasinger Clark, life is about the journey … and the destination.
“Throughout my life, there have always been people encouraging and supporting me, and I want to pay that forward,” said Kasinger Clark.
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with focus areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. NSWC Crane is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today’s warfighter.