Staff

John Polowczyk assumed the Presidency of the Virginia Ship Repair Association in August 2025. His experience in logistics, supply chain management, and national security is extensive, highlighted by his leadership of the White House COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. After retiring from 33 years of service as a Naval Rear Admiral, where he served as Vice Director for Logistics for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he was a Managing Director at Ernst & Young (EY). His deep understanding of the industrial base, coupled with his proven leadership on a national level, are powerful assets that will enhance the Virginia Ship Repair Association's focus on being the "Strength Behind the Fleet."

Sylvia Bell is our Office Manager and Member Services Coordinator.  She joined the VSRA Staff in October 2010. She is responsible for directing and coordinating office services and related activities. She coordinates membership services and provides support to members as needed. Born and raised in Hampton, she is a native of Hampton Roads. She serves our administrative team using her management, organizational and administrative skills developed throughout her more than 40 years of administrative experience. She is the mother of 5 grown children, and five adorable grandchildren who call her Nana, and one spunky little doggy named "Bear."  Her greatest joy in life is spending quality time with her family.

Sylvia can be reached at SBell@VirginiaShipRepair.org or (757) 233-7034 x 101.

Edna Bagtas is an accountant born, raised, and educated in the Philippines. She joined VSRA in March 2019 as the Bookkeeper. She is responsible for Virginia Ship Repair Association’s general ledger and the accompanying financial reports. She brings to the table her 20+ years of experience in the Accounting profession both from for-profit and non-profit entities.

When not crunching numbers, you will either find her in her backyard tending to her vegetable garden or in the kitchen cooking the family’s favorite dishes or on her favorite sofa reading a good book. She is married to her wonderful husband, Ed, and a proud Mother to two beautiful daughters, Aster Nadine and Lianna.

Edna can be reached at EBagtas@VirginiaShipRepair.org or (757) 233-7034 x 105.

Joe Frommelt is our Development and Programs Manager.  He joined the Staff in March 2022 bringing his 30 years of naval service and is excited to work with the VSRA membership to serve the Ship Repair Industry. He is tasked with implementing and enhancing new business, programs, and events that support the strategic goals of the VSRA & VSRF. Joe works closely with the VSRF Board of Directors to develop workforce initiatives to benefit the Association membership and Ship Repair Industry at-large.

Joe can be reached at JFrommelt@VirginiaShipRepair.org or (757) 233-7034 x 103.

Katie joined our VSRA staff in May 2024 and became our Training Director in August of 2025. She executes the organization's training programs as well as assisting overseeing educational partnerships. Katie's ability to lead teams, manage resources, and execute strategic initiatives makes her a valuable asset to our staff.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two daughters. She finds joy in traveling, attending concerts, camping, and working in the yard.

Katie can be reached at KGriffin@VirginiaShipRepair.org or (757) 233-7034 x 105.

Billy Bingham took on the role of Communications and Marketing Director at VSRA in August 2023. With a background in marketing and educational media, Billy's knowledge of marketing strategies and media channels will assist in increasing general awareness of VSRA. Billy is a Hampton Roads native and a graduate of Kempsville High School. At Baylor University, Billy earned a BA in Film and Digital Media and Media Management in the Summer of 2020. In Billy’s spare time, he enjoys running, playing board games, and exploring various local restaurants.

Billy can be reached at BBingham@VirginiaShipRepair.org or (757) 233-7034 x 108.

Anika Clickener joined VSRA as Staff & Administrative Support in February 2024 and became our Outreach Coordinator in November 2025. She assists in career days, sponsored events, and other outreach events. In May 2023, she graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Marketing and relocated from Fairfax County to Virginia Beach shortly after. She has a strong passion for graphic design, having developed logos for various organizations, designed t-shirts for large-scale events, and produced graphics to promote upcoming events on social media. In her free time, Anika enjoys playing chess and sudoku, crafting new recipes in the kitchen, and seeing the newest movies in theaters.

Anika can be reached at AClickener@VirginiaShipRepair.org or (757) 233-7034 x 109