HII has appointed Christie Miller and Christian Ortego to vice president roles at its Newport News Shipbuilding division as the company continues leadership transitions supporting its naval shipbuilding operations.
Miller will be promoted to vice president of communications, while Ortego will join as vice president and chief counsel, HII said. Both will assume their new roles on Wednesday.
What Roles Will Miller and Ortego Take On?
Miller will oversee internal and executive communications, as well as events, protocol and stakeholder engagement activities across Newport News Shipbuilding.
Ortego will serve as the division’s chief legal officer, advising senior leadership and overseeing the delivery of legal services supporting shipyard operations.
What Experience Do Miller and Ortego Bring?
Miller has been with HII since 2011, holding roles across media relations and executive communications, most recently serving as NNS director of communications. Her background also includes work in government communications and journalism. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Ortego will join the shipbuilding division from HII’s Mission Technologies segment, where he served as senior vice president and general counsel. In that role, he led legal operations for a multibillion-dollar business supporting global defense customers.
He previously held roles within HII, including director and assistant general counsel, and served as senior counsel supporting naval programs and fleet services at NNS.
Before joining HII, Ortego worked at the Department of Justice and in private legal practice.
He is also a retired U.S. Navy surface warfare officer with nearly two decades of service, including leadership roles supporting Navy operations and NATO initiatives.
Who Are They Replacing?
Miller will succeed Jennifer Dunn, who is retiring after nearly three decades with NNS.
Ortego will replace Jon Arena, who is departing the company for another opportunity.
“I am confident Christie and Christian will provide the steadfast leadership necessary as we execute our critical national security mission at the shipyard,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said.
