Manson People—Retirees 2025
- J.Anthony Tedpahogo
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
John Holmes—Former Manson President & CEO
Dedicating his entire career to Manson, former President & CEO John Holmes retired in March 2025 after 48 years.
John’s incredible journey with the organization traces back to the Summer of 1977, when he was hired as a laborer by Vice President of Equipment Les Hillis in the Seattle Marine Yard while attending the University of Washington (“UW”).
In 1981, after earning his degree in civil engineering from UW, John joined Manson full-time as an engineer, working alongside Estimators Bob Stevens, Rob Reller, Dennis Merwood, and Bill Shorey. Manson would be the first and only company he would ever work for, helping shape the organization’s growth from a family-owned business to a nationally recognized, employee-owned marine and dredging contractor.
Described as “brilliant” by those who worked with him, John helped estimate several ground-breaking projects that set the benchmark for Manson’s West Coast Operations. These projects included Terminal 30 at the Port of Seattle, Terminals 3 and 4 at the Port of Tacoma, the Homeport Carrier Pier for the U.S. Navy in Everett, WA, and the Ford Island Bridge for the U.S. Navy in Pearl Harbor, HI.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, John helped expand Manson’s presence in Southern California with now retired Senior Estimator Mark Stuessy, working on projects such as Berths 174-181 at the Port of Los Angeles and Piers J and A at the Port of Long Beach.
Throughout the decades, John held several key roles within the organization, including, engineer, estimator, project engineer, project manager, chief engineer/estimator, and executive vice president.
In 2018, he succeeded Eric Haug as President & CEO.
In March 2025, John was succeeded by Jim McNally as Manson’s new President & CEO. John will continue to serve the company as a member of the Board of Directors.
In his retirement, John looks forward to spending time with his wife, Shelley, enjoying their home, and traveling.
Thank you for your many years of hard work and dedication, John! We wish you the very best in retirement.
Bill Shorey, PE, SE—Senior Estimator
Senior Estimator Bill Shorey announced his retirement in March 2025, bringing to a close his remarkable
career which spanned more than three decades.
Bill’s journey with Manson began in the 1990s, when he joined the Naval Station Structural Breakwater project in Everett, WA, serving as a quality control manager.
Following the successful completion of that project, he relocated to Honolulu, HI, to take part in the Ford Island Access Bridge project, a crucial undertaking for the U.S. Navy. It was there that Bill first crossed paths with then-Office Engineer John Holmes, who later became President & CEO in 2018 and retired in 2025, beginning a professional relationship that would span decades and numerous major projects across the West Coast. Projects included a return to Everett for the U.S. Navy Homeport project and the Pile Installation project for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in Oakland, CA.
Regarded by his peers as one of the sharpest minds in the organization, Bill is licensed as both a civil and structural engineer—a rarity in the engineering and construction industry. His technical expertise proved invaluable in helping project teams navigate the complexities of numerous Design-Build and alternative delivery projects throughout the years.
Though soft-spoken, Bill’s words always commanded respect. Because of his unmatched engineering prowess, when Bill spoke, everyone listened. Bill leaves behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and innovation that will continue to guide the next generation of engineers, estimators, and builders at Manson.
In his retirement, Bill looks forward to traveling with his wife, including
frequently visiting their daughter in Europe, and enjoying time on the golf course.
Thank you for your many years of dedicated service, Bill!
Tom Bopp—BAYPORT Captain
After more than 35 years with Manson, BAYPORT Captain Tom Bopp completed his final rotation in April.
Captain Tom’s maritime career began in the 1980s, earning sea time aboard vessels with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He joined Manson in 1989 as a mate on the NEWPORT, working on maintenance dredging projects along the West Coast including Washington, Oregon, and California.
In 1998, Tom transitioned with the NEWPORT to Manson’s Gulf and East Coast Dredging Division, where he served as chief mate. Just two years later, in 2000, he began sailing as captain of the BAYPORT.
Throughout his time with the organization, Captain Tom has always championed Manson’s core value of taking care of people. Whether ensuring crew members had a warm place to stay during long-term projects or expediting their quick return home during personal emergencies, he always prioritized the well-being of his team. His leadership will leave a lasting impression on the BAYPORT crew and those who have had the chance to work with him.
Congratulations on your retirement, Captain Tom!