Virginia Ship Repair Foundation

The Virginia Ship Repair Foundation (VSRF), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the educational arm of the Virginia Ship Repair Association. The Foundation aims to assist VSRA member companies, both locally and nationally, in their efforts to produce the highest quality ship repair services by convening and deploying efficient training and employee recruitment strategies. The VSRF has strong partnerships with other maritime organizations, educational institutions, workforce boards, and other community organizations.

VSRF initiatives include:

  • Participation in regional & local Career Day Events
  • Outreach to Technical Schools and CTEs statewide
  • Ship Skills Handbooks to introduce entry-level workers to maritime trades
  • Digital Innovation Competition for Middle School Students
  • Ship Repair Race Night at Langley Speedway
  • Marine Trade Training Programs

The VSRF Board of Directors is comprised of apprenticeship and human resource leaders from VSRA member companies, including all Large Ship Repairers, and several ship repairs, sub-contractors, and suppliers. The VSRF Board meets regularly, on the second Thursday of each month. For questions about the VSRF and its initiatives, please contact Joe Frommelt at JFrommelt@VirginiaShipRepair.org or Sallena Nikitas at SNikitas@VirginiaShipRepair.org, or call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

Programs

2023 17th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards

The 2023 17th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards has been awarded. Please click on "Read More" to learn about the 2023 Senior and Junior Tradesperson of the Year Winners & Runners Up.

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Community Programs

VSRF supports many community initiatives, and has many volunteers who actively participate in various outreach activities across Hampton Roads. 

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Ship Repair Marine Trade Training

The VSRA Marine Trade Training Programs are innovative programs that help to prepare workers interested in building a long-term career in ship repair.

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Shipyard Careers

The Foundation is committed to helping the Ship Repair Industry fill workforce gaps in the coming years through active outreach and education now.

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VSRF Digitial Innovation Competition

Each year, the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation sponsors a Digitial Innovation Competition for Middle School students aimed at enhacing awareness of careers available in the Ship Repair Industry, and the skills and education needed to pursue those careers. Participation in the VSRF Digitial Innovation Competition will increase the students' mathematical, analytical, and conceptual skills, as well as give them valuable information on an industry that is vital to their community.

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VSRF Board of Directors

Christian Stanco

Chairman & DirectorGeneral Dynamics NASSCO-NorfolkDirector of Production

Kathleen Hinton

DirectorEast Coast Repair & FabricationVP Procurement & Contracts

Christopher McCallum

Vice-Chairman & DirectorMHI Ship Repair and ServicesDirector Program Support

Terry Stead

DirectorTecnico CorporationProduction Manager

Todd Kling

Secretary / Treasurer & DirectorAerotek, Inc.

Rodney Hines

DirectorNewport News ShipbuildingTrades Training Integration

Robbie Walker

DirectorMarine Chemist Service, Inc.President

Gregg Kruer

DirectorPrism Maritime LLCBusiness Development Manager

Amanda Berce

DirectorBAE Systems Norfolk Ship RepairHR Manager

Kathy Bryan

Ex-Officio (VSRA Communications Committee Chair)Shipyard StaffingExecutive Vice President

Nikole Dunkley

DirectorLyon Shipyard, Inc.Vice President, Human Resources

Steve Cook

Ex-OfficioHampton Roads Workforce CouncilVice President of Workforce Innovation

Chris Marsh

DirectorColonna's Shipyard, Inc.Director of Trades

Todd Estes

Ex-OfficioCommunity College Workforce CooperativeExecutive Director

Chris Murray

DirectorHII Fleet Support GroupProduction Manager, NAVSEA Cableway Program

Kenyetta Goshen

Ex-OfficioNorfolk Technical CenterSenior Director, Career & Technical Education

Nikki Vaughn

DirectorBay Metals & Fabrication Human Resources Manager

Laura Hanson

Ex-OfficioTidewater Community CollegeInterim Vice President of Workforce Solutions

Jay Prock

DirectorTidewater Staffing President