Company: SCRA, Columbia, SC
Company Description: SCRA is a global leader in applied research and commercialization services with its headquarters in South Carolina. SCRA collaborates to advance technology, providing knowledge-based solutions with assured outcomes to industry and government, with the help of research universities in SC, the US and around the world.
Nomination Category: Management Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Woman of the Year

Nomination Title: Natalie Corella, Executive Vice President, CCP & Corporate Social Responsibility

Tell the story about what this nominated woman has achieved since January 1, 2014 (up to 650 words). Describe the impact she has had on your organization and/or industry. Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms.

Natalie A. Corella, SCRA’s Executive Vice President (EVP) of Contracts, Compliance and Corporate Social Responsibility, has spent over 26 years as a leader and manager at SCRA and is one of six members of the company’s leadership team. In addition to her laser-sharp focus on her core contracting responsibilities, Natalie has made it her mission to build partnerships with community leaders and organizations, fostering a community service and volunteer program for the company.

As the EVP of Contracts and Compliance, Natalie is a natural leader who crafts innovative solutions and mentors her team of 25, who manage over $3.4 billion in contracts for the company. Under her leadership and guidance, SCRA has seen revenues rapidly increase and contracts gain value. During 2014 alone, SCRA’s Defense Ordinance Technology Consortium grew from a $700 million contract to over $1 billion.

Natalie believes strongly in creating and maintaining a professional, yet flexible, work-life balance; she was a staunch supporter of SCRA’s newly-implemented flexible schedule policy. During 2014, she coordinated with her colleagues on the executive team to implement a comprehensive plan that reduces commute times and allows for more individual control over demanding schedules and work environments. Natalie is a visionary in retaining and utilizing employees in less than full-time status in order to allow them to deal with life changing events (births, deaths, education, caring for family members). Her work in these areas has been enormously beneficial to SCRA, as the company has been able to retain high-level talent and continue to grow and succeed, all while maintaining an important work-life balance.

Natalie leads SCRA’s Teambuilding Activities Group (TAG), which is comprised of SCRA associates in three locations across South Carolina. The group promotes corporate responsibility through community service and strengthens ties to the region and state through these volunteer efforts. Natalie is helping to promote change, creating a culture where giving back to the local community is both recognized and honored. During 2014, Natalie championed a new and innovative Employee Volunteer Program, which provides SCRA associates with the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents during the work week, using a set number of company hours to volunteer. Under her leadership, associates have volunteered over 115 hours to date, partnering with charitable organizations including: Communities in Schools; Trident United Way; Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity.

In November, the first volunteer effort under the new Employee Volunteer Program took place - 20 SCRA associates teamed with Communities in Schools and a local middle school to support the Trident United Way’s Day of Caring. The SCRA team painted murals in the school and held mentoring sessions with students to talk about careers in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, offering their expertise in the field and career advice to the students. This volunteer effort was featured on various news stations and in publications across the state. Natalie worked tirelessly with the SCRA volunteers to ensure these events were executed successfully, making a lasting impact on the students, the community and the SCRA team.

Natalie also led corporate fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association Lowcountry Heart Walk. SCRA contributed over $10,000 in donations and gift matches for the group, and ensured that SCRA volunteers, families and friends were there to support SCRA and all those affected by heart disease and stroke.

Natalie’s dedication and leadership have greatly enriched the lives of those with whom she works. She is a highly sought after mentor, and many young professionals look to her for advice and guidance in both professional and personal matters. She is a compassionate and selfless leader who continually seeks ways to improve the company and the communities in which SCRA operates. Her positive attitude, caring demeanor and ceaseless work for the benefit of others merit the award of 2014 Woman of the Year.

In bullet-list form, briefly summarize up to ten (10) of the chief accomplishments of this nominated woman since the beginning of 2014.

•In 2014 Natalie completed 26 years with SCRA in Contracting
•Works closely with the Small Business Administration and small businesses to assist them in dealing with daunting and diverse government regulations;
2 training seminars for S.C. small businesses were conducted during 2014
•In 2014 the DOTC Program increased to over $1B in contract value
•In July 2014, Natalie launched the Employee Volunteer Program promoting corporate responsibility
•Negotiating and overseeing all contracts that have a value of over $2.7 B in 2014; including 633 subcontracts
•In October 2014 advocated for the new flexible work schedule and coordinated with the Executive Team to implement comprehensive flex policy for all associates
•Earned 40 education and training units in 2014 to maintained her Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional Certification