On behalf of the Virginia Ship Repair Association Board of Directors, I am announcing an important upcoming leadership transition. After thirteen years of dedicated service and invaluable leadership, our President, Bill Crow, will be retiring, as announced earlier this year. Bill’s impact on our Association and the ship repair industry is immeasurable, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions to the Tidewater area and our industry.
It is with great pleasure that I announce that Bill’s successor has been selected and has accepted the position.
John Polowczyk, a retired Supply Corps Rear Admiral, will report to VSRA on August 11th, 2025, to commence the turnover to assume the role of VSRA President sometime during the fall. To ensure a seamless transition and turnover occur, Bill will remain with us through the end of the year.
John brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of leadership to VSRA. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in engineering. He holds a Master of Science in Contract and Acquisition Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He also completed an executive education program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
His sea duty assignments include Supply Department Head tours aboard the fast attack submarine USS Queenfish (SSN 651), the destroyer USS Peterson (DD 969) and the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). He is a qualified Submarine Supply Officer, Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer, and member of the Defense Acquisition Professional Community.
He has held numerous significant shore assignments focused on supply chain logistics and finance.
His career includes extensive experience at high-level commands, holding multiple roles in Norfolk at U.S. Fleet Forces Command and U.S. Joint Forces Command. He has served as a commanding officer of the Fleet Logistics Center in Pearl Harbor and has held several key financial positions, including comptroller and business financial manager for the Seawolf Program. His background also includes developing joint logistics programs, contracting, and serving as an instructor. He has served as the director for logistics programs and business operations for the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N41).
During his last Navy assignment as Vice Director for Logistics on the Joint Staff, John was handpicked to lead in the White House Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic. He expertly took the lead and responsibility for increasing supply, and speed of delivery for medical items in response to COVID. His “roll up your sleeves and get it done” leadership drastically improved the performance of the national commercial medical supply chain from domestic and overseas manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, & distribution to front line healthcare workers.
His personal awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal , two Defense Superior Service Medal, three Legion of Merit awards, four Meritorious Service Medals ), four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards). He also has received two non-DoD government awards, the Public Health Service Distinguished Service Medal and the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal.
Your Executive Committee and Bill are completely confident that John's strategic vision and extensive experience will be a tremendous asset to VSRA as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Please join us in welcoming John to the Association. His first official debutant event to commence turnover with Bill, will be at the VSRA General Membership Luncheon on August 12. We encourage all of you to attend to welcome and meet John.
I would like to thank Ray Wittershiem, Tom Epley, Tom Godfrey, Kevin Terry, Bill Crow, Dan Weckstein and Tony Mazzeo for their leadership and guidance in making up the Search Committee. Their support and time was a “God Send”. Along with Bill and the entire Board of Directors, we look forward to a new chapter of growth and success under John’s leadership.
With my Utmost Respects,
Perry Bingham
VSRA Board Chairman
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