Meet the Upper Management Team

  • Bob Snyder

    Owner/Managing Member | 46 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Mark Arruda

    Yard Manager | 44 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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..

  • Amy Snyder

    Yard Supervisor | 18 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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. After college, she continued working in the local marine industry, including operating her own varnish and detailing company. She returned to DBY in 2018 and now serves as Yard Supervisor, bringing extensive hands-on experience and leadership to the yard.

    Certifications: Forklift Certification, Hazwopper Certification

  • Alden Holdridge

    Service Manager and Technical Advisor | 24 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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. Metal fabrication / machining?!

    Certifications: ABYC, Honda, Espar

Meet Our Client Support Team

  • Becky Dyer

    Client Support | 11 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    A native of Stonington, Becky is often the first voice you hear when calling DBY. She manages dock staffing, coordinates dock and mooring requests, and oversees contracts.

  • Kristen Scherer

    Client Support | 7 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    A native of Niantic, Kristen ensures accurate recording of hours worked on each work order and generates monthly invoices for clients, keeping operations organized and efficient.

  • Sue Whewell

    Client Support | 4 years at Dodson Boatyard

    Hailing from Stonington, Connecticut, Sue communicates annual, requested, and recommended winter work to clients and tracks accounts payable, providing essential support to DBY’s administrative operations.

Meet the Dedicated Team That Is the Engine Behind Dodson Boatyard

  • James St. Peter

    Carpentry | 15 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Russ Stracha

    Fiberglass & Paint | 6 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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. Russ is widely regarded as one of the finest marine painters in the business, delivering flawless results on every project.

  • Dan Ciocchi

    Fiberglass & Paint | 6 years at Dodson Boatyard

    Raised in Vermont, Dan graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in horticulture before finding his way to DBY as a general yard worker. With a keen attention to detail, he is developing expertise in the fine art of Awl Grip application, contributing to the high-quality finishes DBY is known for.

  • Dave Boisvert

    Haul & Launch | 28 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Cliff Stamm

    Haul & Launch | 12 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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

    Haul & Launch | 3 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Josh Herald

    Machanics | NEMA certified | 15 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Casey Winslow

    Mechanics | 13 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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

    Mechanics | 10 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Verne Ray

    Mechanics | 9 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Nolan Arruda

    Mechanics | 8 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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

    Mechanics | 2 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Steve Kingsland

    Moorings | 47 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Lucas Martinez

    Moorings | 10 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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

    Rigging | 15 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Dylan Curtin

    Rigging, Sail & Canvas, Varnishing | 7 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • John Ridgeway

    Rigging & Carpentry Support | 6 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    Raised in Stamford, Connecticut, John has extensive inshore and offshore sailing experience. He has worked in multiple boatyards throughout New England and ran his own charter boat in the Caribbean. At DBY, John assists with rigging and carpentry projects as needed, applying his broad marine knowledge to every task.

  • Tom Russell

    Rigging | 1 Year at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Kim Moore

    Varnish | 18 years at Dodson Boatyard

    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.

  • Steve Green

    Varnish | 9 years at Dodson’s

    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

    Varnish | 3 years at Dodson’s

    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.

  • John Lucey

    Sails | 11 years at Dodsons

    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.

  • Michael Sciro

    Yard | 3 years at Dodson’s

    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.

  • Michael Canova

    Yard | 3 years at Dodson Boatyard

    Also from Westerly, Rhode Island, Michael has taken on multiple roles at DBY beyond yard work. During the summer months, he works on the dock and launch, and he assists with the seasonal commissioning and decommissioning of moorings.

  • Andrew Smith

    Yard | USCG Captain | 22 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    From Mystic, Connecticut, Andrew began at DBY in the parts department before learning the art of maneuvering yachts in tight quarters. He now holds a 50-ton USCG license and expertly brings yachts in and out of the dock for service.

  • Amanda Allard

    Parts | 13 years at Dodson Boatyard

    A Stonington native, Amanda joined DBY as an assistant in the parts room. She now manages ordering, receiving, and charging out all parts and materials single-handedly, ensuring smooth operations for the yard.

  • Jim Bergerone

    Painting, Fiberglass, Rigging, Electrical | 1 Year at Dodson Boatyard

    25 years ago Jim worked at Dodson Boatyard, he left to move down South, but comes back with expansive knowledge and experience at other boatyards. John has expertise in all things boatyard and we’re so happy to have him back.

  • Aubrey Connett

    Launch Driver and All Things Boatyard | 2 Years at Dodson Boatyard

    Needs bio

  • Sam

    Needs expertise

    Needs Bio

  • Peter Moore

    Need expertise

    Need bio