Roussel tapped as CAO at Bollinger

Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., was looking for the right person to fill the shoes as the chief administrative officer, a position that requires depth of experience in the field and capability to multitask.

The company didn’t have to look very far.

Mike Ellis, executive vice president and chief operating officer, picked inside-man Craig Roussel, who began his appointment the last week of August.

Now in his eighth year with Bollinger, Roussel n vice president of Corporate Operations since 2005 – has been named to various administrative operations: director of Business Development, vice president of Procurement, and vice president of High Speed Vehicles.

But Roussel’s savvy of shipyard business goes far beyond his administrative days.

Born and raised in Lockport, a childhood just a half-mile from the shipyards provided a natural drift toward the marine industry. Roussel found his first part-time job in high school with Bollinger as a “rod boy,” rowing welding rods into 5-pound packs.

“It was the entry of all entry-level jobs,” he recalled.

Eleven years passed between the period he left Bollinger n after graduating from Nicholls State University n until his return. During that stretch, Roussel worked for the Lafourche Parish Government as CEO of the South Central Planning Development Commission.

“When I left to work for (the commission), I never thought I would be back at the shipyard, but it is a wonderful place to work and I am humbled and honored by the appointment,” he said.

Bollinger is a family affair for Roussel; two of his brothers are company employees and his father continues his career with over 30 years of experience.

Ellis commented on Roussel’s seemingly natural fit as chief administrator. “Craig’s leadership ability and operational experience make an excellent fit for this new position.”

Bollinger’s operations range from construction services to energy, commercial and government marine markets all along the Gulf Coast with 13 shipyards and locations the Tri-parishes. New construction continues at Lockport’s expanding complex.

“This position is bringing a lot of tasks into one. We’ve got a lot of things going on that require a bit more strategic activity on end by individuals and Craig is one of those key guys,” commented Robert Socha, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing and a contemporary of Rousell’s since 1999.

Among his chief roles, Rousell will focus on state and local government relations, environmental services, emergency preparedness and corporate security in appointment.

“Craig has been doing a lot of the activities (required of this position) and he is very good at multitasking. He will bring a lot of those job descriptions that he has been covering together,” said Socha.

As for Roussel, he is satisfied, furthering his career at Bollinger. “This is a great company to work for and a wonderful opportunity,” he said.

Andrea Carlson can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or andrea@tri-parishtimes.com.