Manson Retirees—2026
- J.Anthony Tedpahogo
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Robert “Bob” St. Joseph—IT Help Desk Manager
Written by: Manson IT Department
With more than a decade at Manson, Robert “Bob” St. Joseph played a major role in transforming the company’s IT inventory management into a well-organized, reliable system the department could depend on. His attention to detail and deep understanding of how systems connected brought lasting structure and consistency to the team.
That strong foundation was matched by Bob’s extensive knowledge of both front-end and back-end systems. Whether the question involved hardware, software, or underlying infrastructure, he was often the person with the answer or knew exactly where to find it. That breadth of expertise made him an invaluable resource to both Manson and the IT department.
Just as important was Bob’s availability and willingness to help anyone in the organization. He consistently made time for colleagues who needed support, approaching each request with patience, strong problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset. His sense of humor was always part of the experience, helping keep things light even in high-pressure situations.
Bob also helped shape the culture of the IT department. He was known for bringing people together, whether through conversations about good food and favorite restaurants or by introducing Hawaiian Shirt Friday during the summer months, a tradition that quickly became a team favorite.
The IT department will greatly miss Bob’s presence, expertise, and steady support. After years of dedicated service to Manson, his retirement is well earned. As he steps away from leading the IT help desk, he can look forward to trying new recipes from his cookbook and spending more time watching Chicago White Sox games.
While he may be stepping away from day-to-day work, we fully expect to still see him around, including at the annual holiday party, and we wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter.
Roger Russell—Electrician
Written by: Steve Paulson—BAYPORT Chief Engineer
Congratulations to BAYPORT Electrician Roger Russell on his retirement after 18 years of dedicated service to Manson. Throughout his career, Roger was known as a dependable and hardworking member of the BAYPORT crew, always willing to step in wherever needed and consistently contributing to the vessel’s success.
An alumnus of Texas A&M University, Roger began his career in the oil and gas industry, working for ARCO oil refineries in Texas before bringing his work ethic to Manson. He often recalled that during his interview with BAYPORT Chief Engineer Sam Ashton, he was asked whether he would be willing to take out the trash. Roger said yes without hesitation, a response that reflected the attitude he carried throughout his time at Manson: no task was too small, and he was always ready to help.
Among his many accomplishments, Roger earned his U.S. Coast Guard Electro-Technical Officer (“ETO”) credential, becoming an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine. In addition to his work at sea, he also owned and operated several small businesses, including ventures in property management.
Outside of work, Roger has remained deeply committed to his family and community. He and his wife, Jamie, raised five children, all of whom went on to attend college and build successful careers. Together, Roger and Jamie also opened their home to foreign exchange students from Denmark and Italy, relationships they continue to value today. Roger is also known for being a devoted NHL Dallas Stars fan, a reflection of the enthusiasm and personality that made him such a memorable presence among his family and friends.
Members of the BAYPORT crew and Manson management honored Roger at his retirement celebration with a commemorative wooden plaque of the BAYPORT, recognizing the lasting impact he made on the vessel, the company, and the many people who had the privilege of working alongside him. Roger has truly been an asset to the BAYPORT and to Manson, and we thank him for his many contributions.
We wish him all the best in retirement.
Tim Daniels—Senior Estimator
Written by: Mark Openshaw—VP Gulf & East Coast Civil Area Manager
After more than 40 years in the marine construction industry—11 of those spent with Manson—Tim Daniels retired in April 2026. Tim joined Manson’s Jacksonville team in August 2015 as a senior estimator, quickly becoming an integral part of the estimating group and playing a key role in many of Manson’s GECC pursuits. His passion, experience, and commitment to quality have made a lasting impact on the company’s success.
Tim’s construction career began in 1982 after graduating from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University. He held roles at construction firm Guy F. Atkinson—working as a project engineer and project manager on major projects across the country. His expertise expanded further at Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, where he contributed to complex bridge, marine, and highway projects and began specializing in estimating and Design-Build pursuits.
In the office, Tim is known for his determination in defending his positions, his mastery of the HeavyBid estimating system, and his loyalty to each estimate—and to the Syracuse Orangemen. He is equally recognized for his devotion to NASCAR, always carrying his iconic No. 3 Dale Earnhardt lunch pail.
Tim is a fierce competitor in the Jacksonville office’s annual Chili Cookoff Contest—he will serve as an honorary judge at future contests—earning multiple top finishes, and during the spooky season, is celebrated for his elaborate Halloween costumes.
Tim’s experience, humor, and dedication have left a lasting mark on Manson and all who have worked with him. With his wife Melissa—famed for her banana pudding—and his Jack Russell Terrier, Maximus, by his side, Tim enters retirement with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone at Manson.
Henry Schorr—Vice President
Written by: J.Anthony Tedpahogo—Marketing & Communications Coordinator
After more than 40 years in the dredging industry—27 with Manson—Henry Schorr has retired with a legacy defined by technical excellence, integrity, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to taking care of people.
Henry earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tulane University in 1979. Soon after, he began his dredging career with Gulf Coast Trailing Co., where he developed a practical, detail-driven understanding of vessel design, equipment operations, and crew safety. That foundation was shaped in part by a lifelong connection to the industry, inspired by his father’s work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
At Gulf Coast Trailing Co., Henry played a key role in advancing modern hopper dredging through the design, construction, and operation of early private-industry hopper dredges, including the ATCHAFALAYA, the MERMENTAU, and the OUCHITA (now named the B.E. LINDHOLM).
Henry joined Manson in 1999, bringing deep technical experience and a practical understanding of what crews and projects need to succeed. At Manson, his expertise carried forward through the development of the dredges BAYPORT, GLENN EDWARDS, and FREDERICK PAUP, helping strengthen the company’s dredging fleet and set higher standards for safety, capability, and performance.
Henry’s leadership has always been rooted in safety. Long before formal programs gave that commitment a name, he believed that protecting crews was central to doing the work well. That mindset aligned naturally with Manson’s Incident and Injury Free™ culture, and he continued to champion safer tools, better processes, and thoughtful innovations that reduced risk and made dredging operations more efficient.
His influence can be seen in practical improvements ranging from safer pipeline connection tools and high-torque wrench systems to public safety procedures, incident closeout practices, personal protection equipment advancements, and the adoption of automation and positioning technologies. Henry’s ability to understand crew needs, anticipate market demands, and turn ideas into workable solutions helped move the industry forward.
Just as important as his technical contributions is the impact Henry has had on the people around him. He has been a trusted mentor to the next generation of dredgers, a respected voice in fleet management, and a steady example of honesty, hard work, and service to the nation’s navigation mission.
As Henry begins this next chapter, we thank him for his many years of dedication, leadership, and service. His contributions have left a lasting mark on Manson, the hopper dredging industry, and the crews who continue to benefit from his work. Henry’s lifetime of achievements will continue to shape the industry long after his retirement in 2026, carried forward by the many dredgers he has mentored and inspired to keep finding a better way.
We wish you all the best in retirement, Henry!
Comments