Clara Anderson (O19), a manager in Contracts and Pricing, recently was honored with an award from the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Anderson was named an NCMA Fellow, a designation that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of contract management and to the NCMA. It is the second-highest award given by the NCMA, which has about 20,000 members around the world. As a Fellow, Anderson will become a member of the Council of Fellows, which allows her to participate with leaders from the government, industry and academia to discuss issues affecting the contract management profession.

“I am honored to receive this award. When I think of the award, it’s not just me. It’s the people who have inspired and supported me along the way – my family, my friends, my team, my co-workers and my leaders,” said Anderson, who has worked in the contract management field for nearly two decades.

An NCMA member since 2006, Anderson has held several key positions in the national organization and previously served as president of the Hampton Roads chapter. At NNS, Anderson leads professional development, research and development contract administration and core compliance for Contracts and Pricing.

“I have a passion for professional development. As leaders, we are mentors. That’s our biggest responsibility,” she said. “I share a clear vision of success with my team. My job is to get them to that next level and empower them to accept new challenges that bring innovation and professional development.”

In 2017, Anderson received the NCMA Advancing Professionals award, which recognizes top performers coming into their own as leaders in contract management and in NCMA. She also was recognized by Inside Business in 2012 as a Top 40 Under 40 in Hampton Roads, an honor that was heavily influenced by community service.

A Navy veteran, Anderson said she feels “at home” at NNS. “When I come to work, I feel inspired that people are mission focused and passionate about what they do. They’re passionate about seeing that next ship being built and the quality of how it’s being built for our next generation,” she said.