Inside Business honors success of Chesapeake, Va. native, Ava Benson

Posted December 17, 2010
By Jerry Rogers
Norfolk District Public Affairs

12/17/2010 - NORFOLK — Ava L. Benson, mission support division chief for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, captured the 2010 Women in Business Achievement Award honors by Inside Business, the Hampton Roads Business Journal, in a ceremony here Dec. 13.

The Achievement Award recognizes the accomplishments of women who have been successful in their businesses and careers, who have made a significant impact in the business community, and who serve as an inspiration to others.

Benson, one of eight members on the district's executive/corporate board, is profiled in a special issue of Inside Business, along with the other community honorees.

"I'm honored to have been selected for such an award," said Benson. "I believe in being a mentor and an example for women in the workforce. Working hard to be successful and also helping others achieve success in their businesses and careers, is critical. To be recognized and awarded for it is very humbling."

"Benson has made a significant impact to our organization as our first mission support division chief," said Col. Andrew W. Backus, Norfolk District commander. "In this capacity, Ava is responsible for the overall support to the district's 450-employee workforce as it executes its primary missions of engineering, construction and water resources management for the nation and the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Benson's duties include human resources support to the district's workforce, management of both historic and working facilities here that recently underwent a $7.1 million renovation, and all contracting, information technology, logistics and security management support.

"Because Ava's position is new, she has had to innovate and devise processes that provide both support to the district and synergy among several departments. She has hired employees and has begun to mentor and develop them to shape her division. Additionally, she assumed a chair on the district's board of directors and has been a compelling voice in the corporate governance of the organization. She is clearly a role model for all of our employees," Backus added.

Benson has served the federal government for nearly 30 years of combined service with the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army Corps of Engineers. Before her current assignment as mission support manager, Benson served as chief, resource analysis branch in the district's resource management office. She has served as the Norfolk District manpower officer and a program/project manager in various district and regional special assignments, including the Defense Department's Competitive Sourcing Program.

Mark Camsky, chief of the district's resource management office, served as Benson's supervisor prior to her promotion. Her leadership and influence on the district is best exemplified by her tremendous work ethic, willingness to mentor subordinates and her ability to get the absolute best from her staff, he said.

"Benson is the regional 'go to person' for management, manpower, budget and internal control issues, and is also a recognized national Corps asset," said Camsky. "She is often called upon to train others in her leadership techniques and was recruited as an instructor for the Corps-wide budget training Prospect course. Benson is a take-charge leader who makes positive things happen, regardless of the assignment."

Alicia Farrow, a civil engineering-local intern in the district's operations branch, has been mentored by Benson since 2008. She credits Benson for helping her to understand Corps operations and for displaying a sincere interest in her professional career and personal life.

"Mrs. Benson has always been there for me, always interested in hearing my plans for the future, and always encouraging me to strive for nothing but the best," said Farrow. "During many of our conversations, I learned that she, too, started as a Corps intern. So I knew she could really relate to me. She's a great role model. Just think: She has gone from an intern to a division chief and a member of the district's executive/corporate board."

A graduate of Norfolk State University, Benson has completed the Department of Army Intern program and the USDA Leadership Development Graduate School. She is also a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers, Federally Employed Women, Parent Teachers Association and a lay leader in her church ministry.

Benson's advice to women in the workforce: "Strive to become invaluable to whatever organization you work in. Maintain your integrity, learn and grow, assume tough assignments, and help someone else along the way."