(WASHINGTON) — The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipbuilding, maintenance and repair industry, has named Kevin Terry as senior defense adviser, overseeing the organization’s national ship repair and security, as well as the industry workforce development and education initiatives.
Terry is set to assume the role from Frank Collins on Dec. 15. Collins is now senior vice president of government and public affairs at Titan Acquisition Holdings.
With an extensive career spanning nearly 40 years in the public and private sectors supporting ship material readiness for the U.S. Navy, Terry is a seasoned maritime professional dedicated to advancing maintenance and modernization programs. He began his private sector journey in June 2014 when he joined General Dynamics NASSCO as the Pacific Northwest program manager, overseeing the commencement of the CVN MSMO contract in Everett and Bremerton, Wash.
In July 2015, Terry’s capabilities led to his appointment as the general manager of General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk. In this role, he managed over 800 employees across multiple facilities, including Ligon Street and Harper Road in Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va., as well as teams stationed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Norfolk Naval Station.
Prior to venturing into the private sector ship repair industry, Terry held the position of commanding officer at supervisor of shipbuilding, Newport News, where he was responsible for overseeing the Navy’s aircraft carrier and submarine new construction and repair programs at Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding.
“Our military forces must be prepared and equipped with the vessels required to carry out their missions with maximum safety and effectiveness. SCA is positioned to fulfill a crucial role in ensuring American shipyards meet this national imperative. This is why I am proud to join the strong industry advocacy team at SCA, where we will work closely with shipyards nationwide to address these critical issues,” said Terry.
“Mr. Terry’s role as SCA’s senior defense adviser is essential to preserving and advancing U.S. national security,” said SCA President Matthew Paxton. “Mr. Terry’s expertise in domestic ship repair operations will be instrumental in his role as an advocate for our industry, where he will champion our mission to improve and strengthen the operational capabilities of U.S. shipyards.”
Paxton extended his best wishes to Collins for his service to SCA and the U.S. industrial base, saying, “Frank has been an exceptional leader and invaluable colleague. As we reflect on his contributions within our organization, we extend our warmest wishes for a smooth journey in his next endeavor.”
– Shipbuilders Council of America