Our Upper Management Team
Robert Snyder
Bob has been working in boatyards since 1971. Since 1980, Bob has been at Dodson Boatyard. Bob’s sailing career begin in Stonington Harbor at age five. Bob’s passion for sailing and seamanship only grew over the years, leading him to participate in numerous transatlantic races, including voyages to Bermuda undertaken long before modern navigational technologies, relying solely on dead reckoning and a sextant.
Owner/Managing Member
Mark Arruda
Mark grew up in Stonington and was introduced to boating at an early age aboard his family’s 34-foot swordfishing vessel, Yankee. He began working at Dodson Boatyard (DBY) at age 16, starting with bottom sanding, and gained hands-on experience across every role in the boatyard. This deep practical knowledge led him to his current role as Yard Manager, where he brings decades of experience overseeing daily operations and client requests..
Yard Manager | 44 YearsYard Supervisor | 18 YearsAmy Snyder
Raised in Stonington, Amy began sailing lessons at age five and spent her childhood cruising with her parents from Shelter Island to Martha’s Vineyard. She started working at DBY at age 16 on the docks and continued part-time throughout college. Amy made history as the first female Marine Travelift Operator in New England. She returned to DBY in 2018 and now serves as Yard Supervisor, bringing extensive hands-on experience and leadership to the yard.
Alden Holdridge
Alden grew up in Groton, Connecticut, and his connection to boating began at age ten. He brings a rare combination of mechanical expertise and systems knowledge to DBY, excelling at diagnosing complex technical challenges while maintaining internal systems for billing, inventory, and financial oversight. In his role as Service Manager and Technical Advisor, Alden ensures efficient operations, accurate reporting, and high-quality service for both the yard and client requests.
Service Manager & Technical Advisor | 24 Years
James St. Peter
Raised in Westerly, Rhode Island, James built his first small boat at age 14 and taught himself to sail. After high school, he attended the Landing School in Maine, where he honed his skills in both wood and composite construction. With over 15 years of experience, James brings craftsmanship and precision to every project in the yard.
Carpentry | 15 Years
Fiberglass & Paint | 6 Years
Russ Stracha
Raised in Newport, Rhode Island, Russ brings over 45 years of experience in the marine industry, specializing in fiberglass repair and Awl Grip paint applications. His career has taken him around the world, including working on America’s Cup yachts in Australia. Renowned for his skill and precision, Russ is widely regarded as one of the finest marine painters in the business, delivering flawless results on every project.
Dan Ciocchi
Alden grew up in Groton, Connecticut, and his connection to boating began at age ten. He brings a rare combination of mechanical expertise and systems knowledge to DBY, excelling at diagnosing complex technical challenges while maintaining internal systems for billing, inventory, and financial oversight. In his role as Service Manager and Technical Advisor, Alden ensures efficient operations, accurate reporting, and high-quality service for both the yard and client requests.
Fiberglass & Paint | 6 Years
Dave Boisvert
Raised in Foster, Rhode Island, Dave has been passionate about Cat Boats his entire life. His meticulous attention to detail extends from his personal boats to the care he provides at DBY, expertly moving vessels and maintaining yard equipment. With 28 years of experience, Dave’s skill and dedication ensure the safe operation of moving boats on land at both boatyard facilities.
28 Years 6 Years
Cliff Stamm
Raised in Stonington in a boating family, Cliff joined DBY at age 16 as a yard worker and continued full-time after high school. He progressed to the Haul & Launch crew and earned his CDL, becoming DBY’s primary over-the-road boat mover. With 12 years of experience, Cliff combines hands-on expertise and safe, efficient operations to ensure every vessel is transported with care.
Sheldon Elkins
Raised in Texas, Sheldon joined DBY after his wife was stationed at the U.S. Navy base. He became part of the Haul & Launch crew in the spring of 2025, where he is learning the intricacies of safely and efficiently moving boats on land.
3 Years
Josh Herald
Raised in Kingston, Rhode Island, Josh is a lifelong avid fisherman. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, he attended IRYS to study marine electronics. NEMA certified, Josh serves as DBY’s primary electronics installer while also contributing to the mechanical department as needed, bringing both expertise and versatility to every project.
15 Years 13 Years
Casey Winslow
Raised in Westbrook, Connecticut, Casey is a lifelong avid fisherman. He began working in various marinas at age 16 and eventually joined DBY, where his broad knowledge and hands-on experience continue to grow across multiple departments.
Ed White
Ed grew up in Connecticut, and attended the Maine Training Program at New England Tech. After gaining experience in several large New England boatyards, he joined DBY bringing extensive expertise in large engines and Hamilton Jet repair.
10 Years
Verne Ray
Raised in Groton, Connecticut, Verne is a lifelong boater with experience working in multiple boatyards and with yacht brokers commissioning new vessels. He now works seasonally at DBY, assisting with mechanical commissioning and decommissioning while rebuilding his childhood home in Jupiter Point.
9 Years 8 Years
Nolan Arruda
Raised in North Stonington, Connecticut, Nolan started at DBY at age 16 as a dock hand and weekend yard worker. After earning an Associate Degree in Nuclear Engineering, he chose to continue the family tradition at DBY. Nolan has progressed through multiple departments and is now training as a marine mechanic.
Charlie Cartier
Raised in Mystic, Connecticut, Charlie has a natural talent for fixing things. After high school, he worked in an import automotive repair shop before joining DBY, where he now applies his skills to marine machinery and systems.
2 Years
Steve Kingsland
Raised in Sydney, Australia, Steve began working at DBY under the previous ownership. Over the years, he has worn many hats, including haul & launch, rigging, and carpentry. Since the implementation of the Stonington Harbor Management Plan, Steve has overseen moorings, conducting inspections and maintaining detailed records, bringing decades of hands-on knowledge to the role.
47 Years 10 Years
Lucas Martinez
Raised in Georgia, Lucas worked on tugboats in the South before moving north and joining DBY. He runs the mooring barge, handling seasonal commissioning and decommissioning of moorings. Lucas is known for his versatility, always willing to assist across departments as needed.
Robert Parker
Raised in Florida, Ricky moved north to join his brother and began working at WHYC driving a launch. He joined DBY and has worked his way up through the ranks, from bottom sanding to the rigging department, bringing extensive hands-on experience and knowledge to every project.
15 Years
Dylan Curtin
Raised in Stamford, Connecticut, Dylan is an avid fisherman. He attended UConn Avery Point and began working part-time on the dock at DBY. Over the years, Dylan has gained experience across multiple departments, including rigging, sail and canvas, and varnishing, demonstrating flexibility and expertise wherever needed.
Rigging, Sail & Canvas, Varnishing – 7 YearsRigging & Carpentry Support – 5–6 Years
John Ridegway
A native of Charlestown, Rhode Island, Steve began at DBY as general yard help. His natural attention to detail quickly stood out, leading to his training as a varnisher. He now applies precision and skill to every project.
Tom Russell
Raised in Mystic, Connecticut, Tom grew up sailing on Fishers Island Sound and in New England waters. He has previous boatyard experience in Connecticut and worked for North Sails before returning to the area to be closer to family. Tom joined DBY, bringing both sailing and rigging expertise to the team.
Rigging – 1 Year
Kim Moore
From Hopkinton, Rhode Island, Kim didn’t grow up on boats but developed a keen attention to detail through her early work as a driver for one of DBY’s suppliers. With 18 years at DBY, her meticulous eye ensures every piece of brightwork shines to perfection.
18 Years 9 Years
Steve Green
A native of Charlestown, Rhode Island, Steve began at DBY as general yard help. His natural attention to detail quickly stood out, leading to his training as a varnisher. He now applies precision and skill to every project.
Jacy Trumpetto
Hailing from Westerly, Rhode Island, Jacy started at DBY as a detailer before training as a varnisher. She quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude with a brush and now delivers high-quality finishes across the yard.
3 Years
John Lucey
A Stonington native, John began sailing at a very young age with his parents and developed a lifelong passion for the sport. He gained experience working for local sailmakers, and when DBY expanded its in-house sail services, he was the natural choice to lead the expansion.
11 Years 3 Years
Michael Sciro
From Westerly, Rhode Island, Michael joined DBY after working in manufacturing and paving, seeking more stable, year-round work. Versatile and dependable, he is ready to take on any task asked of him.