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NEWS | April 9, 2019

NSWC Panama City Engineer Selected for Deputy Technical Director Staff Assignment

By Katherine Mapp Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Engineer Danielle Kinkade is trading her hands-on mine warfare programs for an opportunity to set sail on a one-year rotational assignment supporting Command leadership staff as the Technical Assistant to the Division Technical Director.

Kinkade said she is grateful to be selected for the role and is enthusiastic to expand her knowledge of the organization, while influencing positive change.

“I am excited for the experience to see the overall business of the Warfare Center and learn how our organization fits into the bigger picture of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) enterprise,” said Kinkade. “Having been on the technical side of the organization for the past 10 years, I am looking forward to learning the business practices that make everything run behind the scenes.”

NSWC PCD Deputy Technical Director for Operations, Lisa Tindell, said she is excited and looks forward to seeing the great things Kinkade will achieve while in her role.

“Danielle Kinkade brings an abundance of technical experience and a breath of fresh air and energy to our team,” said Tindell. “Danielle will be leading our Strategic Campaign Plan implementation as the Program Manager, championing inclusion and engagement initiatives, and other special assignments for the Technical Director. We are eager to expand her knowledge and capabilities through this journey.”

Kinkade, a Panama City, Florida native and 2002 graduate of Arnold High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Stetson University, and a Master of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida (UF). During graduate school at UF, Kinkade launched her career at NSWC PCD through the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program and was hired as a civil service employee in 2008.

According to Kinkade, rotational assignments are an opportunity to broaden your understanding and continue to grow within your career.

“This type of rotational assignment is an opportunity to assess our strengths and identify areas where we may need to continue developing,” said Kinkade. “This rotation will be a good way to challenge myself to improve professionally.”

In 2017 through the NAVSEA Warfare Centers initiative, Leaders in a Diverse Environment (LDE), Kinkade was selected as a change agent and has participated in several endeavors to include Lean-In Circles and the acquisition of three Mamava nursing pods for NSWC PCD facilities.

Through LDE, Kinkade and other NSWC PCD change agents were involved in the development of the Command’s Strategic Campaign Plan to include diversity and emphasize the workforce perspective.

Kinkade enters this new chapter of her career with a wealth of knowledge in mine warfare and organic airborne mine countermeasures. Her past roles include test engineer for MH-60S Integration, systems engineer and project manager for Carriage, Stream, Tow, and Recovery System, and most recently the Science and Technology Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead and Test and Evaluation IPT Co-Lead for the Barracuda Mine Neutralizer.

Outside of work, Kinkade devotes her time to the Junior League of Panama City and making memories with her husband and young daughter.