Xavier Beale might be found in a boardroom, mapping out workforce strategy, on the deck plate, or engaging with stakeholders to strengthen talent pipelines.
“I may be in Richmond or Washington, D.C., working with an array of our workforce development stakeholders to ensure that as a locality and as a nation, we have innovative, robust, resilient workforce development systems,” he said.
As the vice president of human resources at HII Newport News Shipbuilding, Beale is constantly in motion. He’s been in the industry leader’s executive ranks since 2018 and has had diverse responsibilities within the shipyard.
“The VP of HR is a very unique position,” he said. “Simply stated, no days are the same.”
Beale is energized by the variety. While policy discussions and high-level planning are essential, he finds greater fulfillment closer to the workforce.
“My best days in this position are when I actually get to spend time with our shipbuilders,” he enthused. “Being on the deck plate with our shipbuilders, whether it’s a welder on a ship, an engineer in their work environment, or a recruiter, that’s what excites me.”
In a word, he calls his professional life nontraditional.
Beale started at the shipyard as a pipefitter in 1991. A native of Surry, Va., he has a family connection to shipbuilding. His father was a master shipbuilder and retired after 47+ years of service.
The shipyard was supposed to be a temporary stop in Beale’s quest for his dream career.
After graduating from Surry County High School in 1990, he joined the Virginia National Guard and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. With military specialization in logistics under his belt, he planned to attend a university that fall. However, plans changed when he applied at the shipyard, encouraged by his father.
Beale enrolled at Virginia Peninsula Community College in spring 1991 while also balancing his full-time shipyard job.
“College has always been my chosen path, and joining the armed services provided me with the resources to attend college. My plan at the time was to go to Virginia State University. But from January, February timeframe to August was a long time,” he explained.
The affordability of VPCC and its flexible schedule attracted Beale. Although he wanted to major in political science, which wasn’t offered, the College met his needs. He chose police science, envisioning a future in law enforcement and criminal justice. His goal was to become an attorney and eventually secure a commonwealth’s attorney post.
Beale received an Associate of Applied Science degree in police science around 1994. He transferred to Christopher Newport University, where he earned a bachelor’s in governmental administration.
After college, he worked in law enforcement and began preparing for law school, having left the shipyard. Beale started weighing many factors while studying for the LSAT, including salary, student debt and long-term prospects. That led to a huge decision.
“After weighing all factors, I ultimately chose to purse a graduate degree in human resources,” he said.
He earned a master’s degree from Troy University and received professional certification from the Society of Human Resource Management. Beale returned to HII Newport News Shipbuilding around 10 years after his first stint. His credentials were a launchpad for his journey with Virginia’s largest industrial employer.
“It’s not the traditional path, starting in the trades as a mechanic, transitioning into HR, returning to trades as a vice president and now finding myself back in HR,” he said.
“I was prewarned when I returned to HR at the executive level that it’s not what I think it’s going to be,” Beale recalled. “And it’s true.”
Although he prides himself on his HR expertise, his role is less about hands-on technical work. It involves strategy, leadership and vision.
“I have a remarkable team of HR professionals that delivers phenomenal products and services to our business based on their technical expertise,” he stated, pointing out he still relishes any chance for involvement in the technical aspects.
“When I get to roll up my sleeves and do that, I can get extremely excited,” he added.
Beale admits he’s passionate about advocating for community colleges and workforce development. He serves on multiple boards, including the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education and the Hampton Roads Community Action Program. For the latter, he’s the incoming chair and chairs Virginia’s Workforce Development Board.
“These roles are very meaningful to me,” he said. “They align with my belief in creating opportunities and strengthening communities.”
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Beale has received numerous awards and special recognition. Prized among those is a Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities in 2024.
“I’ve been blessed to receive various recognitions. All of them are special, but it was humbling for me to be recognized as a humanitarian,” said Beale. “I was especially pleased that I could share that moment with my wife, my parents and my in-laws.”
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and gardening when his limited free time permits. Living in Smithfield, Va., the couple (of 28 years) are parents of three.
Beale asserts family shapes everything he does. “Family is the foundation of who I am. That foundation was laid by my parents and helped shape who I am today. My wife smoothed the rough edges, and with three young adult children, I’m constantly offered (often with love and humor) advice on how I can improve,” said Beale, also giving credit to his in-laws.
“They’re more than in-laws. They’re my bonus parents,” he added.
For students and aspiring professionals, Beale offers practical advice.
“There is no single path to success,” he said. “Set goals but stay open to opportunities and choose educational experiences that align with (your) dreams and aspirations.”
“I always remind people to remember that college is not only about the credentials. It’s about creating options for their future. Never underestimate where the journey can lead. I’m a living proof of that,” Beale added.
