December 2019 View From The Quarterdeck

Dear Shipmates,

With 2020 firmly in sight, I thought I would take a moment and share some final thoughts on this last year with you, as well as some exciting news about the future of OHPRI. 
 

Annual Appeal

For those of you that have contributed to our 2019 Annual Campaign, we thank you for your generosity. If you are still planning to make a donation, time is running out before the December 31st deadline.  We are within striking distance of our $250,000 goal, and meeting this target will set us up to begin programs just after the first of the year.

Launch of the Perry Corps

The first weeks of January 2020 will see the launch of the Perry Corps, a workforce development initiative that we hope will grow to be our flagship program. We will be introducing opportunities in the marine trades, maritime industry and defense sector to Rhode Islanders that are seeking out high yield meaningful employment and career opportunities, while connecting those participants with industries that are in desperate need of qualified candidates. Stay tuned for more information about the program and how you can get involved just after the new year.
 

New Board Members

As I reflect on the year that has passed and look toward the year ahead, I am energized when I see the list of new board members who are signing on in support of our revitalized mission. Each represents a community with which we have made a concerted effort to engage more meaningfully this year, and their willingness to serve in a leadership capacity in OHPRI is a true validation of those efforts.

You can read more about each of our new board members below.
 
I want to thank you all for your continued support, and I hope to see you aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry in the coming year.

jonathan signature.jpg

Captain Jonathan Kabak
CEO

WELCOME NEW OHPRI BOARD MEMBERS

ferraro.jpg

Paul Ferraro
Paul Ferraro is vice president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) Seapower Capability Systems, the company’s business area focused on programs for U.S. and international Navy customers. Ferraro holds both bachelor and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a master’s degree in business administration from the Boston University Executive MBA program.

howe.jpg

Vice Adm. P. Gardner Howe III, USN (ret.)
Vice Adm. Howe was the Associate Director of Military Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency. He previously commanded Naval Special Warfare Unit 3 in Bahrain, Naval Special Warfare Group 3 in San Diego, and Special Operations Command, Pacific in Hawaii. Vice Adm. Howe has also served as the 55th President of the Naval War College.
 

Rives Potts
Rives Potts is the President of Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC and former President and COO of Brewer Yacht Yard Group, Inc. An avid sailor, Potts has sailed multiple America’s Cup campaigns, as well as Newport to Bermuda, Translatlantic, Fastnet, and Sydney Hobart races. Potts has also previously served as the commodore of the New York Yacht Club.