VT Halter Marine President Skinner Retires

 

After more than 46 years in the shipbuilding business, including nearly two decades at VT Halter Marine, President and CEO Bill Skinner has announced his retirement. Skinner previously served as President, CEO and Director of ADDSCO Industries (1985-1989), the parent company of Alabama Maritime Corporation, where he also served as President (1982-1984) and as President of Alabama Shipyard, Inc. (1989-1997) following its acquisition by Atlantic Marine.

 

“I have been privileged to serve at the helm of a shipbuilding company that has such a rich history, renowned reputation, loyal customers and supportive ownership,” Skinner said. “The greatest privilege was to work with a highly talented core group of employees that cares deeply about the company and is integral to its success.”

 

Subsequent to Skinner’s retirement announcement, Jack Prendergast was named as the new President and CEO by the VT Halter Marine Board of Directors. A retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, Prendergast joined VT Halter Marine as an outside director in 2011, and was subsequently appointed as Executive Vice President in late 2012.

 

Prendergast had a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy for over three decades culminating in promotion to Rear Admiral. He served in both submarines and aboard aircraft carriers, and as a Flag Officer was assigned to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and subsequently to the Staff of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (The Joint Staff). Upon retirement, Jack worked for Lockheed Martin for several years before joining the VT Halter Marine team. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and a Masters Degree in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School.

 

“All of us here at VT Halter Marine are very appreciative of Bill’s hard work and dedication to our company and I am fortunate to have worked with him over these last several years. VT Halter Marine has very experienced leadership with a superb future and our entire team is committed to improving our company as we implement and realign procedures,” Prendergast said. “We all look forward to the opportunities ahead as we focus on process improvement and enhancing value to our customers.”

 

GEN (Ret. USA) John G. Coburn, Chairman and CEO of VT Systems, said, "Bill has served as VT Halter’s CEO since April 2009 leading the company through some very challenging years for shipbuilders on the Gulf Coast; we are thankful for the leadership and commitment Bill has shown through his years of service at VT Halter Marine. That leadership has contributed to VT Halter being one of the most innovative engineering and shipbuilding companies in the U.S. I have no doubt that Jack Prendergast and his team will continue VT Halter Marine's history of being an industry leader."