Commander, Navy Installations Command Recognizes Top Civilians

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WASHINGTON (April 30, 2026) - Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is proud to announce the command's 2025 Civilians of the Year, honoring three exceptional individuals whose expertise and unwavering dedication power the Navy's global shore enterprise.

"Our civilian teammates are the backbone of our operations, providing the critical expertise and unwavering support necessary to execute our mission and support the Fleet," said Vice Adm, Gray, commander of Navy Installations Command. "Their daily contributions ensure our installations remain ready and resilient."

Standing out among a highly competitive and talented headquarters workforce, this year's distinguished honorees are:

Bertha Clay, Supervisory Civilian of the Year: As the director of Civilian Human Resources, Clay has been a vital anchor during a period of sweeping organizational change. She masterfully steered the workforce through complex human resources reforms, ensuring the seamless transfer and integration of more than 2,500 employees from other commands. From guiding the enterprise through new return to office policies and averting disruptions during potential government shutdowns to championing employee wellness initiatives, Clay's leadership has fundamentally strengthened CNIC's human capital.

Brighid Patterson, Senior Non-Supervisory Civilian of the Year: A true trailblazer in data analytics, Patterson, a management and program analyst with the command's Strategy and Warfare Integration, is revolutionizing how leadership views Navy Shore readiness. She spearheaded the development of the CNIC commander's dashboard, an innovative tool providing real-time insight into installation operations. Her expertise in translating complex data into actionable solutions has been critical for command priorities like the Requirements Based Budget initiative, significantly sharpening decision-making capabilities across the entire Shore Enterprise.

Antoinelle Hansley, Junior Non-Supervisory Civilian of the Year: As a program analyst with the command's Strategy and Warfare Integration, Hansley has been a driving force behind contract execution and fiscal accountability. She meticulously reviewed and processed 42 highly complex contract packages valued at $43.7 million, preventing costly delays and ensuring total compliance. Her rigorous efforts have directly sustained critical Shore Enterprise initiatives, including the Navy's Motorcycle Safety program, while keeping the command strictly audit-ready.

"We are incredibly proud of these awardees and of all the civilians who make up our CNIC team," Gray said. "Your hard work does not go unnoticed."

While Clay, Patterson, and Hansley take center stage for their exceptional leadership and performance, they serve as true representatives of the broader CNIC civilian workforce, who stands out as one of the absolute best in the Department of the Navy, Gray said.

Commander, Navy Installations Command is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy Shore installation management, designing and developing integrated solutions for sustainment and development of Navy shore infrastructure as well as quality of life programs. CNIC oversees 10 Navy regions, 70 installations, and more than 48,600 employees who are focused on warfighting and manning, training and equipping the Shore to fight and win. Navy installations are warfighting platforms essential to every fleet operation.