Ms. Washington is the Director, Mission Support for the Office of Naval Research (ONR). She serves as the principal assistant to the Chief of Naval Research (CNR) with responsibility for overall oversight and coordination of ONR business, operations and services functions as well as oversight of assigned CNR initiatives facilitating ONR’s Science and Technology (S&T) mission.
Ms. Washington was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in November 2023 as the Director, Office of Small Business Programs after 15 years of civilian service. In this role she served as the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Navy on all small business matters. Ms. Washington was charged with overseeing small business acquisition compliance; strengthening government and private sector partnerships; and fostering opportunities to leverage small business as a strategic advantage for the benefit of our warfighters. From April 2018 until October 2023, she served as the Deputy Director in this office.
Ms. Washington’s previous experience includes serving as the Director of Acquisition and Contracts for the Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Command Program Executive Office for Submarines from October 2016 until March 2018. In this capacity, she was responsible for directing, prioritizing and coordinating all acquisition initiatives across Team Submarine.
From June 2009 until January 2016, Ms. Washington assumed the duties as the Team Submarine Enterprise Wide Contractor Support Services Manager. She was the subject matter expert for management responsibilities for five support services contracts totaling execution of over $125 million annually and oversight of 600 contractors. As the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for these contracts, Ms. Washington was responsible for cradle to grave requirements generation, contract award and post-award execution.
Prior to her position as the EWCSS Manager, Ms. Washington served as the Business and Financial Manager from December 2007 until June 2009 for the Undersea Warfare Defensive Systems Program Office. Responsible for the management and execution of over $100 million Total Obligation Authority, Ms. Washington's expert knowledge of the DOD 5000 and Program Acquisition Life Cycle process led to a successful Milestone B for the Next Generation Countermeasure and successful Gate 3 review for the AntiTorpedo Torpedo Defensive System.
From July 2000 until December 2007, Ms. Washington worked for industry supporting various NAVSEA organizations. Her financial management knowledge coupled with her program management expertise led her through various positions including Financial Manager, Acquisition Manager and ultimately Program Manager.
Ms. Washington has held leadership roles within Team Submarine, including Navy Enterprise Resource Planning Site Implementation Lead and COR Certification Manager, where she served as the on-site subject matter expert for all COR responsibilities. In 2016,she completed a nine-month career development assignment with the Office of Small Business Programs, leading the development of Small Business Advocate training for Deputy Program Managers across the Department. Her efforts earned her the 2017 Oreta B. Stinson Small Business Advocate Acquisition Excellence Award.
Ms. Washington's formal education and training include a master's in business administration, a master's in financial management, and through the Defense Acquisition University she obtained the Small Business Professional Credential, as well as a certification in Program Management and Financial Management.