SCA Elects New Chairman

The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) announced that Steve Welch, chief executive officer of Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp., has been elected its new chairman, replacing Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger, chief executive officer of Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. Butch King, chief executive officer of VT Halter Marine, Inc., was elected to the position of vice-chair. The elections occurred during the Council’s annual Spring Meeting, held April 30 through May 1, in Washington, DC.

Mr. Bollinger commented, "I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve as chairman this past year. I believe the industry is headed in the right direction, and with Steve Welch and Butch King leading the way, I look forward to SCA’s accomplishments in the coming year."

SCA President Allen Walker praised the outgoing chair for his strong leadership and tireless efforts to promote the Council’s work. "Boysie did an incredible job raising SCA’s visibility and has positioned the Council well for the opportunities and challenges facing the U.S. shipyard industry." Mr. Walker added, "We are fortunate to have Steve Welch and Butch King lead the Council during a time of such promise for the industry. It is certainly an exciting time."

SCA is the largest and most broadly-based national trade association representing the U.S. shipyard industry. SCA members build, repair and service America's fleet of commercial vessels. Member companies constitute the shipyard industrial base that maintains and repairs Navy ships and other government craft, in addition to building vessels for the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, NOAA and other government agencies. The Council represents 36 companies that own and operate over 100 shipyards, with facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, the inland waterways system and Hawaii. SCA also represents 26 affiliate members that provide goods and services to the shipyard industry.

Commenting on his election, Mr. Welch said, "SCA member companies comprise a critically important segment of this country's shipbuilding, conversion, and repair capability. Strengthening our industrial skills and employee base is essential to our national security and economic well-being. As the new chair of SCA, I look forward to working closely with our members and supporters as we confront the challenges of the year ahead."

Founded in 1916, Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation is a commercial and military vessel construction, repair, and maintenance facility located on Harbor Island on the shores of Elliot Bay and the Duwamish River in Seattle, Washington. Todd also has satellite operations in Bremerton and Everett, Washington. Work accomplished ranges from routine ship maintenance to emergency repairs, extensive overhauls, and conversions. Todd is the largest private shipyard in the Pacific Northwest and maintains on average, a dedicated workforce of over 800 highly skilled and trained employees.