Bollinger Shipyards taps Matta to lead Houma facility

Bollinger Shipyards, Lockport, La., has announced a leadership change at its Houma facility, with longtime Vice President and General Manager Rich Murphy retiring and Mark Matta Sr. stepping into the role.

Murphy joined Bollinger in July 2013 following a 30-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he retired at the rank of captain. Over more than a decade with the company, he advanced through roles as senior manager, program manager, and senior program manager before being named vice president and general manager. During his tenure, he helped guide the company through substantial program and customer growth across Coast Guard, Navy, and federal research portfolios.

"Rich has been an invaluable part of the Bollinger family," said Ben Bordelon, president and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. "His contributions over the past decade have made a lasting impact on our operations, our people, and the customers we serve. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him all the best in this well-earned retirement."

Bollinger Houma is one of the company's flagship facilities, with active programs spanning the Navy's TATS and LSM programs, the National Science Foundation's Research Class Regional Vessels (RCRV) program, and the Coast Guard's Acquisition and Support Center (ASC) program.

Matta, who most recently served as Bollinger's director of the ASC program and previously as director of programs — overseeing the MCM USV and FRC programs — brings 28 years of Coast Guard service to the position, having retired at the rank of commander. In his new role, he will be responsible for strategic and operational direction across the Houma portfolio.

"I am grateful for the confidence Ben and the Bollinger leadership have placed in me, and for everything I have learned working alongside Rich," Matta said. "Houma's workforce and its programs are central to Bollinger's mission. I look forward to building on what Rich and his team have established and delivering for our customers in the years ahead."

Bordelon expressed confidence in the appointment. "Mark's experience inside Bollinger, his program track record, and his operational background make him exceptionally well-suited to lead Houma," he said. "We are confident he will continue the success this team has built."