VSRA's Committees are open to all members and meet regularly to discuss a range of topics pertinent to the industry. Active participants in these committees are recognized as leaders both in their specific areas of expertise and in the committee structure. Members are encouraged to engage in these meetings to not only share their knowledge but also to collaborate on addressing mutual concerns, shaping the Association's positions, and developing educational content for the broader membership.
We'd like to share details on recent and upcoming committee information, and we encourage your involvement.
- Communications - Chair: Zebedee Hamilton (Craft and Technical Solutions, LLC)
Last Meeting: April 23rd, 2025
Next Meeting: June 25th, 2025
During the previous Communications Committee meeting, members discussed proposed updates to the VSRA website and shifting the newsletter format to focus on timely articles supported by weekly email distributions. Future meetings will continue exploring how the Association can more effectively share industry information with the Hampton Roads community. Zebedee encourages strong attendance at the June meeting, as we’ll be presenting potential website changes and gathering valuable feedback from the group. Please email Communications@VirginiaShipRepair.org for more information and to help.
- Contracts - Chair: Kevin Cosgrove (Willcox & Savage, P.C.)
Last Meeting: June 5th, 2025
Last Seminar Series Planning Meeting: June 16th, 2025
Next Meeting: August 7th, 2025
The Contracts Committee held its most recent meeting on June 5th, marking the first meeting led by the new chair, Kevin Cosgrove. There was a presentation by Leonard L. Fleisig of Willcox & Savage, P.C. on tariff impacts, covering a recent court ruling that invalidated several tariff measures and outlining business mitigation strategies, such as the First Sale Rule, Foreign Trade Zones, and changing a product's country of origin. Additionally, an update was provided on the "Big Beautiful Bill," a defense spending package that passed the House of Representatives and awaits a vote in the Senate. The "Decision of the Month" reviewed Kousisis v. United States, a Supreme Court case that upheld a wire fraud conviction even without economic harm to the victim.
- Cybersecurity - Chairs: Tracy Gregorio (G2 Ops) and Greg Tomchick (Valor Cybersecurity)
Last Meeting: May 22nd, 2025
Next Meeting: July 24th, 2025
The Cybersecurity Committee had their last meeting on May 22nd. There was a presentation by Greg Tomchick of Valor Cybersecurity, providing an overview of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance, a mandatory security standard for businesses working with the U.S. Government. The presentation addressed common roadblocks, including confusion over requirements and lack of internal buy-in, and concludes by offering a strategic action plan with prioritized, cost-analyzed initiatives to help companies achieve and maintain compliance.
- Human Resources - Chair: Chris Abel (Willcox & Savage, P.C.)
Last Meeting: June 4th, 2025
Next Meeting: July 2nd, 2025
The last Human Resources meeting was held on June 4th and featured presenters Tim Richardt and Jackie Rondeau from the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. They discussed the many services and resources the Council offers to help member companies with hiring and employee skill development. It was announced that the presentation slides would be posted on the Association's website and that the next meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2025.
- OSHA Partnership - Chair: Nate Stanton (General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk) and Larry Ryan (MHI Ship Repair and Services)
Last Meeting: April 30th, 2025
Next Meeting: August 20th, 2025
The OSHA–VSRA Partnership met on April 30th to discuss MARMC updates, the Best Practices Committee, and OSHA news, including the upcoming public hearing on heat injury prevention and the release of 2024 workplace injury data. Robert Polite announced his retirement and introduced new OSHA contacts, reaffirming the national office’s commitment to the partnership. The group reviewed 2024 end-of-year results and 2025 goals, noting continued positive safety trends. Training opportunities, including the OSHA 5410 course in May, were also highlighted.
- Quality Assurance - Chair: Casey Tarnowski (Lyon Shipyard, Inc.)
Last Meeting: May 13th, 2025
Next Meeting: July 8th, 2025
The Quality Assurance Committee convened on May 13th following the Quality Management Board meeting. The group discussed several key items, including discrepancies between MARMC and VSRA audit results, usage of welder workmanship guides, and ongoing issues with the audit database. Updates were also provided on RTR (Record of Technical Requirements) guidance concerns and potential improvements for the committee’s processes and collaboration.
The meeting also marked a leadership transition, as long-standing Chair Dennis Robbins announced he will be stepping down from his role. Dennis will be honored for his dedicated service at a later date. Moving forward, Casey Tarnowski will assume the role of Committee Chair. The subcommittee will be sending out proposed changes to the VSRA Audit prior to the next meeting.
- Quality Management Board - Chair: Mike Davis (MARMC)
Last Meeting: May 13th, 2025
Next Meeting: July 8th, 2025
The Quality Management Board met on May 13th to review the MARMC Port-Wide Quality Report for May 2025. The meeting covered updates across key areas including auditing, welding, non-destructive testing (NDT), and defect rates for “G” and “Non-G” inspections. Notably, the board discussed continued efforts to ensure compliance with the updated ASNT TC-1A standards, improvements in welder training, and an overall inspection defect rate of 1.78% across 49,960 inspections.
This meeting also had the Board bid farewell to longtime Chair Mike Aldridge, who has served in the role since 2007. Members expressed their appreciation for Mike’s leadership and years of service to the quality community.
- Safety and Environmental - Chairs: Larry Ryan (MHI Ship Repair and Services) and Donna Watkins (General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk)
Last Meeting: May 8th, 2025
Next Meeting: July 10th, 2025
The Safety and Environmental Committee met on May 8th with MARMC for a panel discussion covering Hot Work guidance, competent person training, and environmental communication challenges. MARMC emphasized training support and shared updates on operational impacts from staffing reductions.
The Committee approved the March minutes and shared updates on the upcoming Safety & Health Seminar (Sept. 17), OSHA–VSRA Partnership, and environmental reporting deadlines. Robert Coburn was recognized for the winning safety suggestion.
- Security - Chairs: Leigh Kennedy (General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk) and Tamara Haskins (Tecnico Corporation)
Last Meeting: May 7th, 2025
Next Meeting: July 1st, 2025
The Security Committee met on May 7th with strong attendance and key updates from MARMC Industrial Security and NNSY representatives. Topics included the rollout of the new Ship’s Visit Request (ShVR) spreadsheet, clarification on 1172 form usage, and updates on CAC access and DISS visit requirements. The Committee also reviewed challenges related to HII's transition to HireRight for background checks, as well as implications of the REAL ID Act, which is now in effect for all federal facility access.
Additional updates included news from the recent DoD Security Symposium, clarification on DBIDS renewals, and the new installation designation of NSA Portsmouth, which now oversees services formerly managed by NNSY.
- Workforce Development - Chair: Tim Richardt (Hampton Roads Workforce Council)
Last Meeting: June 11th, 2025
Next Meeting: August 13th, 2025
The Workforce Development Committee met on June 11th and featured several guest presentations on training and development initiatives. Presenters included the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), who spoke on corrosion control standards and training; Old Dominion University, who updated the committee on a project to standardize skilled trades competencies; and the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), who outlined their hands-on training programs and industry co-op partnerships. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the need for clearer career pathways and more marine-specific training to attract and retain talent in the ship repair industry.
« Return to Newsletter