People of NRL- Tonya Brown

Say hello to U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Financial & Administrative Management Specialist, Tonya Brown!

Title:?U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Financial & Administrative Management Specialist (FAMS), Contracts Technology Transmission Branch (Code 5550), Associate Director of Research for Systems Division (Code 5000)

Education:?Masters in Human Resource Management, 2019;

Bachelors in Business Management, Minor in Human Resource Management, 2014

Associates in Business Management, 2010

What was your career path prior to your current position? Prior to becoming a FAMS, I was a student/secretary for 2 years for the Information Technology Division (Code 5502) and three months for 5500 as the division secretary. Prior to working for NRL, I worked six months as an intern with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).?Before working for the government, I worked in the private sector for a total of 20+ years in banking, compliance, risk management, business continuity, and credit card fraud/forgery.

What inspired you to pursue your particular field? I have always enjoyed working with numbers and being able to solve problems.

How does your work impact the Navy’s mission? I feel that being a FAMS impacts the Navy’s mission by promoting accountability, integrity, and efficiency on a daily basis.

What’s the most promising new development you’re working on in your field? Since the start of the Pandemic, the most promising new development in my field, is being able to complete my job while teleworking 100%.

How I came to be a U.S. Naval Research Laboratory employee: Before coming to NRL, I was a temporary student intern working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). When my time there ended, I applied for a student trainee (Administrative & Office Support) position at NRL and was hired. Once I completed the terms of being a student trainee, I was hired as a secretary and later promoted to my current position as a Financial & Administrative Management Specialist.

What I like best about working at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory: I like that I’m given a choice to telework. Some prefer to work at the office, but I’m so much more productive working from home. I think it’s a win-win either way. Higher employee satisfaction, better work-life balance, increased flexibility, reduced operational costs, and reduced expenses for employees.

Pivotal Career Moments/Experiences: My pivotal career moment was when I decided to change career paths and pursue/complete my Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. I have been working with numbers for 20+ years and I love it, but I think it is time for a change and I would really like to explore the field of Human Resources. I haven’t been given an opportunity yet, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the chance to make a difference in that field.