Shipbuilding Suppliers Association Elected New Directors
The trade group added two executives with extensive naval backgrounds to lead its advocacy efforts.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
The American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association has elected David Finn and Terry Nawara to its Board of Directors to bolster leadership for the domestic shipbuilding supplier base. The new directors bring over 20 years of U.S. Navy service each to their roles at the organization.
Why it matters
The board appointments aim to strengthen industry advocacy and leadership representation as the association manages its supplier base priorities. These additions reflect a strategy of leveraging deep military operational experience to navigate defense-related industrial requirements.
The association added two new board members, David Finn and Terry Nawara, replacing Bill Dimas on the board. Both new directors bring extensive leadership experience, with Nawara contributing over 20 years of prior U.S. Navy service.
The players
David Finn
Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at J.A. Moody and former U.S. Navy officer.
Terry Nawara
Director of Business Development at Marotta Controls who served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy.
American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association
A national trade association representing the domestic supplier base involved in shipbuilding.
The details
The American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association board selected the two new members to advance its core objective of advocating for the national shipbuilding supply chain. David Finn currently serves as Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at J.A. Moody, while Terry Nawara serves as Director of Business Development, Naval Systems at Marotta Controls. Both executives leverage their prior U.S. Navy officer experience to inform their board contributions.
Timeline
November 9, 2026: The association will host a networking social from 5 to 7 p.m.
November 10, 2026: The association will hold a membership meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Market Landscape
The board additions follow the industry's established pattern of recruiting former military officers to help companies navigate complex government procurement requirements. This move signals a broader focus on aligning supplier leadership with the specific operational demands of the national naval industrial base.
Suppliers operating in the defense sector should monitor how these board changes impact the association's policy positions and advocacy priorities. Owners should consider how to engage with the new leadership to ensure their specific supplier interests are represented in upcoming meetings.
The takeaway
Board leadership changes in trade associations often signal shifts in upcoming regulatory advocacy or procurement strategy. Operators should mark the November 10, 2026, membership meeting on their calendars to stay informed on the association's new strategic direction.
What happens next
The association will host a membership meeting on November 10, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interested parties may contact the office at 202-969-0083.
Further reading
For more on shifts in the industry's leadership and personnel, visit the People section.
