Paul J. Albert is the new president and CEO at VT Halter Marine, Pascagoula, Miss.
Paul J. Albert
Albert, the third man to head up the venerable shipyard in the past two years, has been with VT Halter since 2002 when he took over as senior vice president of production. He was named chief operating officer in 2009 and has served as interim president and CEO since July.
“Starting as a young engineer in the early '70s, my 45-year tenure in the shipbuilding industry has proven to be a rewarding career,” Albert said in a prepared statement. “VTHM would not be the successful company it is today without the integrity and dedication of our employees. It is indeed an honor and privilege to serve them in my new role.”
Bill Skinner, who had previously served as president of Alabama Shipyard Inc., was in charge at VT Halter from 2009 until his retirement last year. That's when Jack Prendergast took over. Prendergast, a retired Navy rear admiral, held the position for about a year before Albert took over as interim president and CEO. The company has not released any information concerning Prendergast’s departure. Prendergast joined the shipyard as outside director in 2011 and was named executive vice president in 2012. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for Lockheed Martin for several years before joining VT Halter.
"Paul’s proven leadership and operational skills in managing complex shipbuilding projects makes him the right choice to lead VT Halter Marine," Adm. Bill Landay, chairman of the VT Halter board, said in the statement announcing Albert's appointment. “We are confident in his ability to grow the company while maintaining its reputation as one of the most innovative shipbuilding companies in the United States.”
“We are excited to appoint Mr. Albert to this role and look forward to what his leadership will bring to the company,” added Gen. (Ret.) John Coburn, chairman and CEO of VT Systems, Alexandria, Va.
