Mr. Joseph (Joe) Kosteczko

Mr. Joseph (Joe) Kosteczko Joseph Kosteczko received his Bachelor of Science and USCG Merchant Marine License from the US Merchant Marine Academy in 1998 and a Master of Science in Operations and Project Management (OPM) from Southern New Hampshire University in 2015.

Mr. Kosteczko is currently serving as the Assistant Director of the Digital Shipbuilding Program at Old Dominion University’s Virginia Modeling Analysis and Simulation Center (ODU/VMASC). Prior to joining ODU/VMASC in 2018, Mr. Kosteczko spent over 11 years working in the shipbuilding, ship repair, US Navy Training and Readiness, and maritime industry as an Analyst, Project Manager, Contract Manager, and Program Manager. He also spent over 8 years on active duty as a qualified US Navy Surface Warfare Officer which included three sea tours, and 3 years in the US Navy Reserves while working in the commercial port operations throughout the US Gulf of Mexico.

At ODU, Mr. Kosteczko is responsible for leading the daily operations of Digital Shipbuilding Enterprise in developing programs and strategies, creation of Industry 4.0 curriculum, promote and conduct workforce development, and conduct research for the shipbuilding and ship repair industry.

Mr. Kenneth (Ken) E. Blair, PMP

In excess of thirty years of combined Naval Engineering, Technical, Management, Project, Program and Portfolio Management experience. Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) currently working as a Senior Consultant for Noblis MSD (previously McKean Defense) in Virginia Beach.

Recent work includes Director of Programs and Director of Strategic Operations at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair in Virginia. Director of the Project Control Office (PCO), Group Finance Manager, and Program Manager supporting SURFMEPP, for McKean Defense and an abbreviated period of service with VSE, all following Navy retirement.

He has earned and maintains the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification through the Project Management Institute (PMI, certified in 2011), and a B.S. in Liberal Studies, with a Focus in History from Excelsior State College of New York, 2009.

Previously, Mr. Blair has been active in the local ASNE chapter participating in the scholarship committee and attending FMMS on both coasts. Other activities include one of several industry representatives to VSRA/NAVSEA CDRL/009-60 Caucus (2020), active member of PMI Hampton Roads Chapter, and company/mentorship advocacy supporting new and existing members to ASNE and VSRA.

He began his Naval Career as an Interior Communications Electrician (IC) in 1988 and was selected to the Limited Duty Officer program in 1998. He retired from Naval service in 2010 and joined the defense industry.

Mr. Neil St. Clair

Neil St. Clair is as a Mechanical Engineer at Fairlead, a Department of Defense contractor providing products and services to the U.S. Military. He has been working at Fairlead Systems for almost a year. Preceding his employment, he graduated from Old Dominion University. His responsibilities include modeling and designing systems to be used in naval vessels, collaborating with fellow engineers, and generating and maintaining organized notes and status reports.

Mr. St. Clair has been involved with the ASNE Tidewater Section ODU Student Chapter for over 2 years and served as President of the Chapter in 2020-2021. He was thrilled to co-lead the student team to participate (and ultimately place) in the Promoting Electric Propulsion for Small Craft competition at the Multi-Agency Craft Conference in 2020.

 Noteable Achievements:

• ASNE Tidewater Section ODU Student Chapter President (2020-2021)
• Norfolk Science, Technology and Advanced Research Mentor (2020-2021)
• Old Dominion University Research Foundation Research Assistant (2020-2021)
• ASNE’s Promoting Electrical Propulsion Co-Lead for ODU Chapter (2020- 2021)

Mr. Larry Burda

Mr. Burda has been with Superbolt, Inc. for over 25 years (Superbolt was acquired by Nord Lock USA about ten years ago). During that time, he introduced the Superbolt tensioner as an alternative to large nuts and bolts (eliminates the need for power tools for installation). He got the Navy to accept Superbolt (MJBT in Navy terms) and incorporate it into the Navy Fastener Manual (NSTM 075) and the Submarine Fastener Manual (GYD010).

After being acquired by Nord Lock, Mr. Burda had the Nord Lock wedge locking washers added to the NSTM as a bolt securing method. Recently he added the Superbolt EzFit (alternative to fitted bolts) for use in mounting critically aligned machinery to the NSTM.

Mr. Burda is involved with the major shipbuilders on new construction projects to include Virginia, Columbia, Constellation, DDG-51, LPD-17, LHA/LHD and Military Sealift Command ships such as the T-AKE, ESBV, and T-AO.