Her Story
About Ann
Ann R. Stravalle-Schmidt is an accomplished in-house attorney and strategic legal leader with more than 30 years of experience in corporate law, government contracting, compliance, risk management, and complex transactions, particularly within the aerospace and defense industries. She currently serves as Assistant General Counsel at Oceaneering International, Inc., where she supports U.S. Government contracts, global supply chain matters, subcontracts, cybersecurity, trade compliance, and direct commercial sales. Throughout her career, Ann has advised Fortune 250 companies and major defense and aerospace organizations, providing practical legal guidance that supports business growth while mitigating legal, regulatory, operational, reputational, and geopolitical risks.
Over the course of her career, Ann has held senior legal positions with Northrop Grumman, Meggitt-USA, Danaher’s Pacific Scientific Aerospace, and Jacobs Vehicle Systems. She has established legal departments and compliance programs, guided mergers and acquisitions, managed litigation and outside counsel, negotiated complex commercial and government contracts, and developed programs addressing employment law, intellectual property, FCPA, FAA, FAR/DFARS, data privacy, and international trade compliance. Her achievements include reducing millions of dollars in legal and intellectual property expenses, avoiding significant regulatory fines, recovering substantial financial value through legal resolution, and creating enterprise-wide processes that strengthened compliance and operational efficiency.
Ann holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an LL.M. in Government Procurement Law from The George Washington University Law School, in addition to her legal education and judicial clerkship experience with the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Known for her business acumen, analytical ability, integrity, and talent for bringing together teams with competing priorities, she has served as a trusted adviser to senior executives and business leaders on complex legal and strategic matters. Beyond her professional work, Ann has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through organizations including the American Red Cross and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, while also contributing to diversity, inclusion, and employee empowerment initiatives throughout her career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ann
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to more than 30 years of experience in corporate law, including my work with major defense contractors and my current role with a startup defense company. This diverse experience has strengthened my expertise, adaptability, and ability to navigate complex business environments.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is simply to keep going. Persistence, resilience, and staying committed to my goals have helped me navigate challenges and continue moving forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to learn from your mistakes and not be afraid to make them. Mistakes are valuable opportunities to grow, build confidence, and become better at what you do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is sharing insights about the challenges women have historically faced in traditional law firms compared with their male counterparts. Reflecting on these experiences can help promote greater awareness, equity, and opportunities for women in the legal profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My commitment to continuous learning and professional growth has been central to both my work and personal life. My journey from law school through earning an MBA and an LLM in government procurement reflects my dedication to expanding my knowledge, developing expertise, and continually challenging myself to grow.
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