CRANE, Ind. –
Three Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) Human Resources (HR) employees were recognized by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for advancements in their field. Madeline Crews, Karen Hulbert, and Kiley Headley were selected for the 2023 NAVSEA HR Awards in October.
NSWC Crane received three of the seven 2023 NAVSEA HR Awards. Crews received the Innovation Award, Headley received the Rising Star Award, and Hulbert received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I’m honored to receive the NAVSEA HR Innovation award,” said Crews, an Operations Research Analyst at NSWC Crane. “It’s great to work in an environment where innovation and process improvement are both encouraged and recognized.”
According to her nomination package, Crews designed and developed a new business intelligence dashboard for Human Capital Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at NSWC Crane. Her first-of-its-kind development created easier access to important information so stakeholders can make better decisions. To build this tool, Crews worked with each HR Office functional area. The package states, “This innovative solution positively impacts the organization by greatly increasing efficiency and effectiveness in these areas.”
Headley, an HR Specialist at NSWC Crane, joined the HR Division three years ago. Her nomination package states her efforts in that short timeframe have contributed to the organization in many ways, including improving processes and making them more efficient, gathering, and managing significant workforce data.
Headley said it is meaningful to her to be recognized as a “Rising Star” within the broader organization. 
“I am truly honored to be recognized with the NAVSEA Rising Star Award while being a co-lead of the NAVSEA HR Health Assessment Team,” said Headley. “Over the last several years, my passion has grown in contributing to the growth and improvement of our HR community. Through the collaboration of this team and its members, I have learned so much and I am very grateful to be recognized for my part in it.”
Hulbert, an HR Staffing Lead, has been at NSWC Crane HR since 2009. Her nomination package mentions she, “has established herself as one of the preeminent Staffing Specialists in all of the Warfare Centers…Whether that be hiring surges, hiring freezes, or Inspector General audits, Ms. Hulbert has been integral to the development of the Staffing and Classification Branch’s functions over the years…. Ms. Hulbert plays a huge role in developing and writing Instructions and operating documents for Crane HR that play a large role in our adaptability and success. Her counsel and opinions have shaped to a large degree Crane HR policies over the last decade. We very likely would not do business the same way as an organization without her. Her impact has been massive at Crane, but she has also had impacts across the Warfare Centers. Ms. Hulbert is looked upon as one of the most knowledgeable and technically savvy HR practitioners in all of the Warfare centers.”
She says she is honored to be recognized. 
“It means a lot to be recognized,” says Hulbert. “NSWC Crane has been a wonderful organization, and it is truly an honor to be able to work alongside the team in HR. The work we do ensures our workforce provides the warfighter with the technology and tools they need to meet their mission.”
About NSWC Crane | NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.
Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce - from students and entry level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today's sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at crane_recruiting@navy.mil.