Federal Managers Association

Press Release

• Chris Lombardi Named FMA Manager of the Year! - April 8, 2026

• CHRIS LOMBARDI NAMED FMA MANAGER OF THE YEAR
  

  Recognized by his peers, Mr. Lombardi, the Transformation Program Manager at Trident Refit Facility Bangor, provides exceptional leadership.

  Alexandria, VA – The Federal Managers Association (FMA) is proud to announce Chris Lombardi as the winner of FMA's Manager of the Year award. He has provided outstanding leadership in a variety of positions in his career.

  The Federal Managers Association strives to promote excellence in public service and is proud to name Chris Lombardi of FMA Chapter 6, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS), Kittery, Maine, FMA’s Manager of the Year. He was presented the award at FMA’s 88th annual National Convention and Management Training Seminar.

  As the Production Resource Department Branch Head, Chris is responsible for ensuring a qualified and available workforce for more than 3,500 individuals at PNS. With 18 years in the department, Chris has risen from a tooling and parts mechanic to a subject matter expert in all aspects of resource management. His leadership has been instrumental in driving the PNS mission forward in support of our nation’s Navy. During challenging periods of hiring freezes and government shutdowns, Chris was a key architect of PNS hiring events, developing strategies that enabled the shipyard to meet and exceed tough hiring goals. His innovative approach and tireless efforts ensure the shipyard is staffed with the best talent to meet its critical needs.

  “Chris Lombardi embodies the ideals of leadership, service, and integrity that FMA is known for,” said Jason Sargent, Immediate Past President of Chapter 6. “He excels in his professional role, strengthens every organization he is a part of, and tirelessly works to uplift those around him -- whether at the Shipyard, within FMA, or in his community. His actions consistently demonstrate a profound commitment to putting people first.”

  The FMA Manager of the Year award is presented annually to an outstanding manager or supervisor in the federal government who is a member of the Federal Managers Association. A selection committee reviews three categories in determining the winner:

  • Workplace accomplishments/contributions
  • FMA involvement at the chapter, regional or national levels
  • Local community accomplishments/contributions

  Lombardi’s exceptional leadership and profound commitment to his community are rooted in a deep history of service, beginning with seven years as a U.S. Army helicopter crew chief. This military background fueled his lifelong passion for supporting our nation's veterans, a commitment that he carries into his unwavering dedication to the mission of PNS and the Federal Managers Association.

  A cornerstone of Chris's leadership is his dedication to the development and well-being of others. He is a passionate instructor for Project Management Fundamentals (PMF) and First Level Supervisor (1LS) classes, sharing his knowledge to cultivate the next generation of leaders. This commitment extends to the most critical aspects of employee welfare. For seven years, Chris has been a key advocate and one of the initial instructors for the SafeTALK suicide prevention program at PNS and in local communities. His guidance has provided essential support to countless individuals in need, reinforcing a culture of care and vigilance.

  Chris’s commitment to the Federal Managers Association is exemplary, where he has served with distinction since 2012. His roles have included Chapter 6 Sergeant at Arms, Chaplin, and Vice President, as well as National Board Member, Region 1 Director, and National Secretary. Chris was honored with the 2021 Odell Green Award, which recognizes excellence by a member of FMA’s Executive Board in the preceding year, and was a major contributor to helping Chapter 6 being recognized with the President’s Award for 2019. Chris is a leader in Chapter 6’s legislative efforts on Capitol Hill and actively strengthens the chapter's community impact by coordinating FMA's annual Golf Tournament -- a major fundraiser for the Caravan of Toys.

  Beyond the Shipyard and FMA, Chris's spirit of service is a powerful force in the community. For the past six years, he has led the Wreaths Across America efforts in Kittery, Maine, fundraising to lay over 900 wreaths on the gravestones of our nation's fallen heroes each year. His compassion is evident in his extensive involvement with local charities. He has been a leader in collecting toys for the Seacoast area through initiatives like "Stuff a Boat," which supported over 100 families, and the "Caravan of Toys." He has coordinated and cooked Thanksgiving dinners for veterans, picked up and delivered donations for multiple food banks, and organized visits from Veteran Affairs groups to the Shipyard to ensure veterans receive the support and benefits they have earned.

  Outgoing FMA National President Craig Carter said, “I congratulate Chris on receiving the Manager of the Year award. I’ve known and worked alongside him for years, and he is a well-liked leader within FMA and at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Thank you, Chris, for your hard work on behalf of our members and the nation.”
  

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