Meet Our Experts
GES is comprised of a highly skilled group of former shipbuilding executives, retired Navy officers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) in process improvement, manufacturing, and supply chain to deliver practical, results-driven solutions.
Directors
Joseph G. Rizk
- 25+ years Consulting Experience in Cost & Schedule Improvement, Supply Chain Management and Operational Excellence.
- Assisted clients in multiple industries with special focus on Defense Manufacturing.
- Applies “‘hands-on” training and implementation approach from inception to delivery.
Arthur Serpa
Arthur L. Serpa retired as the VP of Operations at the General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego, California. He began his career as a machinist at the Electric Boat Quonset Facility in 1975. During his 30-plus years there, he served in various positions, from front-line supervision to Director of Manufacturing.
His expertise in modular construction contributed to the transformation of EBQP from a small parts manufacturer to one capable of delivering submarine sections up to 2,500 tons. In 2006, he joined the GD team at NASSCO. His passion for Continuous Improvement led to a 70% learning curve in the T-AKE program across 14 ships at the shipyard. He has contributed to the construction of over 100 ships and submarines in his career. He served on General Dynamics’ Manufacturing Council for seven years, promoting “Best in Industry” practices among GD’s business units. He holds BS and MS degrees in Industrial Technology from Rhode Island College. Art retired from GD NASSCO in 2012 and brings decades of valuable experience and significant expertise in shipbuilding and manufacturing. His reputation as a “turnaround champion” is well-known throughout the industry.
Maura Dunn
Director
Maura Dunn joined GES after a distinguished career in leadership roles across multiple industries, including defense, intelligence, oil and gas, engineering, and construction. She brings extensive experience in organizational transformation, strategic workforce planning, and operational efficiency.
Prior to joining GES, Maura served as Vice President of Organizational and Facility Development at Electric Boat, where she led $1.8 billion in facility development initiatives, managed government relationships, and oversaw strategic workforce and training programs across Connecticut and Rhode Island. She previously held the role of Vice President of Human Resources and Administration at Electric Boat, following a nine-year tenure in a similar capacity at another General Dynamics business unit. Before her time at General Dynamics, Maura held senior leadership positions in operations, strategy, marketing, and administration.
With a proven track record of driving change, optimizing performance, and leading organizations through growth and market challenges, Maura specializes in developing metric-driven cultures, cost reduction, and process efficiencies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Richmond and an MBA from Averett University.
Steve Moseley
With over 46 years of experience, Steven Moseley has a proven track record in supply chain management and program leadership across several high-profile industries, including shipbuilding, defense, and telecommunications. He spent 7 years at General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) and 11 years at General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GDAIS),
where he led supply chain operations, procurement strategies, and multi-million-dollar defense programs. His work in these roles involved optimizing complex supply chains, managing government contracts, and ensuring timely delivery of critical materials and services for high-stakes defense projects.
During his tenure at GDMS and GDAIS, Steve was instrumental in overseeing supply chain operations totaling $1.4 billion, driving cost-saving initiatives, and managing high-value programs, including multi-year Air Force contracts and custom modifications for military aircraft. His leadership in developing procurement strategies and aligning resources with program goals directly supported the delivery of mission-critical systems for defense contractors and government entities.
In addition to his work with General Dynamics, Steven has an extensive background in subcontract management and business development, specializing in government contracts, logistics, and strategic sourcing. His education includes a B.S. in Business Administration from Faulkner University and a Master Certification in Project Management from George Washington University. Steven continues to leverage his expertise to optimize supply chain solutions in the shipbuilding and defense sectors.
Senior Advisors & Subject Matter Experts
Rick Phillips
Senior Advisor
Rick Phillips, retired Director of Steel at General Dynamics Electric Boat, has over 45 years of experience in shipbuilding. He began his career in 1975 as an entry-level shipfitter after completing a federal training program and quickly excelled in the field. Rick worked on several key programs, including the Los Angeles-class and Ohio-class submarines, and rose through the ranks to become a shipfitting supervisor in 1982. Over the next two decades, he supervised various trades and was instrumental in constructing critical submarine components, including for the SeaWolf-class submarines.
In 2003, Rick was promoted to Area Superintendent, where he oversaw the construction of a Virginia-class super module and managed critical components supporting the SSGN conversion program. By 2010, he advanced to manage multiple trades and welding quality as Department Head. He was later appointed the Moored Training Ship Construction Manager in 2013, where he successfully led the construction of new modules for Los Angeles-class submarine conversions. In 2016, Rick became Director of Steel at Electric Boat’s Quonset Point facility, overseeing seven steel departments and supporting the upcoming Columbia-class submarine construction. He played a crucial role in managing steel processing, module construction, and vendor support, ensuring the timely delivery of critical components. Rick’s leadership, which earned him Master Shipbuilder status, spanned across multiple submarine programs, culminating in his retirement after four and a half decades of service.
Bruce Derenski
Senior Advisor
Bruce Derenski graduated from the University of Washington and served 35 years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force aboard both fast-attack and ballistic missile submarines. He commanded PCU NEW HAMPSHIRE (SSN 778) and oversaw the third-largest defense installation in Iraq during the 2007–08 surge. He has extensive experience in submarine construction, overhaul and repair management, and crew training and qualification during complex maintenance availabilities. Following his retirement from active duty in 2016, he served as a consultant for the Office of Naval Research’s Naval Cybernetics
branch, focusing on robotics and AI applications, ship design specification review, and digital modeling of operational environments. Since joining GES, Bruce has led the execution of supplier assessment and improvement initiatives and the establishment of new programs for submarine equipment reutilization.
Paul Normand
Senior Advisor
Paul Normand, retired Director for Navy Programs at General Dynamics and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), has over 28 years of Navy experience. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he served on five nuclear-powered submarines, including as the first Commanding Officer of the USS ALEXANDRIA (SSN 757). His career included roles as Deputy Commander for Readiness at Commander Submarine Squadron Two and Command-and-Control Warfare Commander on the GEORGE WASHINGTON Battle Group Staff, participating in deployments to the Arabian Gulf and Adriatic Sea.
Paul also commanded the Naval Submarine Support Facility New London, overseeing the maintenance of 21 nuclear submarines. He earned a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and served as Director of the Military Communications Electronics Board and Chief of Staff to the Director of C4 on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After retiring from the Navy, Paul worked as a defense contractor supporting the development of the Silent Hammer operational test. At GDEB, he coordinated with shipyards to secure funding for shipbuilding programs. Paul serves on the Board of Directors for Nautilus Integrated Standards.
Stephen Chenard
Senior Advisor
Steve Chenard, retired VP of Supply Chain for General Dynamics Mission Systems, is a seasoned executive leader with a wealth of experience in supply chain management, information technology, and human resources. Steve began his career in 1981 as a buyer after earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, followed by an MBA from the same institution. His defense manufacturing career started in 1986 as a production control supervisor at GTE Government Systems Corp. (acquired by General Dynamics in 1990).
Over his 36-year career at General Dynamics, he held various leadership positions, including VP of Supply Chain, VP and CIO of IT, VP of Business Integration, and VP of HR.
Steve is recognized for driving strategic organizational changes that resulted in significant operational efficiencies and cost savings. His key competencies include supply chain optimization, process improvements, operations leadership, HR transformation, and strategic planning. He successfully led a multibillion-dollar supply chain service center, implemented enterprise-wide systems, oversaw the integration of a $4.5B business acquisition, and championed Agile initiatives while transforming HR functions to support business growth, improve employee hiring and retention, and overhaul performance and compensation strategies. Steve retired in 2024, bringing a broad range of senior-level experience from both small and large companies within the defense industry.
Rob Hogan
Senior Advisor
Harry “Rob” Hogan, retired VP of Manufacturing and Material Warehousing and Logistics for Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), began his career in 1976 as a welder trainee and graduated from the NNS Apprentice School in 1980. He earned a certificate in Industrial Management from Virginia Peninsula Community College and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Strayer University. Rob also completed Executive Leadership Training Programs at the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary, as well as the Civic Leadership Program through Lead Hampton Roads.
Over his 42-year career at NNS, he held numerous positions of increasing responsibility, including roles in trades, program and project management, process excellence, and supply chain management. He was recognized with the Chairman’s Model of Excellence Award for Lean Principles and Process Improvement efforts, and was honored as a Master Shipbuilder for 40 years of consecutive service. Rob has served on the Board of Directors for the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing and currently serves as an Advisor to the Board of Directors for the Virginia Manufacturers Association, where he is also a past Chair. He is an active member of the Submarine Industrial Base Council, the Regional Board Representative on the Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition, the NNS Apprentice Alumni Association, and the Propeller Club, Port of Newport News.
Ned Kaminski
Subject Matter Expert
Ned Kaminski, a retired Principal Engineer from General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), began his shipbuilding career in 1974 as a Lofting Apprentice at Sun Shipbuilding. After completing his apprenticeship, he joined GDEB, relocating to Rhode Island while earning a B.S. in Industrial Technology from Rhode Island College.
Over 47 years, he held various leadership roles and received specialized training in Lean Six Sigma, change management, and GDEB’s Future Leaders program.
As a Process Engineer, Ned secured funding from the Office of Naval Research’s ManTech program and led cost-saving projects for VIRGINIA Class submarine production. His initiatives included CNC cutting of reactor shielding, robotic welding, CNC steel forming, and real-time welder productivity tracking.
As a Project Lead, he helped develop GDEB’s Bay 4 facility, implementing product family manufacturing and designing modular outfitting towers (MASTs) for submarine assembly. He also spearheaded upgrades to steel processing, replacing outdated cutting systems while maintaining production rates. Additionally, he co-led the development of a laser marking process that eliminated manual layout work in steel fabrication.
As a Principal Engineer, Ned transformed the fuel oil tank manufacturing process, turning it from one of the worst-performing modules to best-in-class. His 18-month, three-station build plan standardized work, reduced labor from 60K to 35K hours per hull, and implemented over 100 process improvements, earning the GDEB Excellence Award.
After retiring in 2021, Ned joined GES to mentor young engineers, sharing his 47+ years of shipbuilding expertise in both surface ships and submarines.
Gene Martinelli
Subject Matter Expert
Gene “Geno” Martinelli retired in 2017 after a distinguished 37-year career in shipbuilding and manufacturing, beginning as a Pipe Fitter and advancing to senior management. His expertise spans structural steel, sheet metal, and pipe fabrication, as well as facilities design, planning, and scheduling for surface and submersible vessels.
A Lean manufacturing advocate and Six Sigma champion, Geno led initiatives that significantly reduced costs, improved safety, and boosted efficiency. Notable accomplishments include implementing automated steel profile-processing lines, hybrid laser welding technology, and Lot Base Manufacturing (LBM), achieving cost reductions of up to 35% and increasing inventory turns by 50%. As General Superintendent at NASSCO, Geno managed 300+ employees, oversaw facilities maintenance, and executed capital projects that modernized production capabilities. Internationally, he consulted on the Australian Future Submarine Program, contributing to facilities design and manufacturing best practices.
2025 Commercial Rates
See Our Rates
| Labor Category | Commercial Rate ($) |
|---|---|
| Partner/Sr. Advisor (SA) | $500 / hour |
| Subject Matter Expert (SME) | $450 / hour |
| Senior Project Manager (SPM) | $450 / hour |
| Senior Project Consultant (SPC) | $400 / hour |
| Project Manager (PM) | $400 / hour |
| Project Consultant (PC) | $300 / hour |
| Project Specialist | $165 / hour |
| Admin Staff | $75 / hour |