About VSM Associates
Our Leadership Team
David Von Schmidt
Founder and Managing Director
David Von Schmidt is a maritime professional whose career spans vessel operations, shipyard management, maritime engineering, and maritime law. He began his career as a United States Merchant Marine Officer while studying Nautical Sciences at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS).
After earning an undergraduate degree in Maritime Management Administration from North Kent College, he transitioned ashore into shipyard operations, serving as a Dock Master at General Dynamics NASSCO and other shipyards throughout the United States. He later earned a Diploma in Naval Architecture from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Maritime Law with a specialization in Ship Finance from the WMU.
Drawing upon experience gained at sea, in shipyards, and through advanced academic study, David founded VSM Associates, a maritime advisory firm specializing in shipyards, dry docks, waterfront infrastructure, and maritime industrial operations.
Nathan Power
Director of Operations
Nathan has previously served as Dockmaster and Waterfront Operations Manager at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. Earlier in his career, he was a deck officer with the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command and an Adjunct Professor and Training Ship Crew Member at Maine Maritime Academy.
Nathan holds degrees in Marine Transportation Operations and Global Logistics & Maritime Management from Maine Maritime Academy, and a Diploma in Naval Architecture from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. He is a USCG licensed Master of Unlimited Tonnage, and a certified Maritime Port Manager (MPM) by the IAPME. In his current role, Nathan manages daily business and project development at VSM Associates, as well as providing onsite operational supervision and mentoring at client shipyards.
Wenonah Hlavin
Principal Engineer
Wenonah brings more than 25 years of dry dock engineering experience to VSM, along with an unmatched depth of knowledge and commitment to excellence. A proud graduate of Virginia Tech, Wenonah began her career with NAVSEA, where she built a strong foundation in naval engineering and complex infrastructure support.
Wenonah’s unwavering dedication to our mission, combined with her enthusiasm for tackling new and exciting client projects, makes her a trusted leader and a key force behind our success.
Testimonials
“VSM’s follow through is incredible. They are well respected and professional. They have a very collaborative approach and recognize the power of collaboration. We completely align. Customers feel it.”
— Space Grid AI
“They offer dockmaster services but their differentiator is they team up with people outside of their core expertise and try to build a network of companies that are synergistic – VSM knows all the right people. They are a network. They are bigger than dockmaster services.”
— Bardex
“They are in charge of the drydock evolutions – 80-90% are done on our 2 drydocks from larger barges to tugboats. I don’t have to worry about them. I send the drawings of the vessel and they can make and execute the plan. It requires communication with a lot of different people. There are a lot of moving parts to make sure the vessel comes into the drydock safely.”
— GSR
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