TAMPA, Fla. (May 17, 2017) – Hendry Marine Industries, Inc., (HMI) one of the Southeast’s leading tug-barge shipyards, is proud to announce the launch of its new business development team.
Kristen Chittenden has been appointed Director of Business Development, and Eric Smith has been named VP & Chief Commercial Officer.
Chittenden and Smith will work closely with the CEO and the executive leadership team at HMI and its various subsidiaries to set company strategy and develop new business opportunities.
“Kristen and Eric bring a wealth of experience in the maritime industry and will do an excellent job leading our new business efforts,” said Jim Long, Hendry Marine CEO and President. “With this new and targeted focus on business development, along with our company’s long history of providing excellent work throughout the Southeast, it certainly is an exciting time to work at Hendry Marine.”
Kristen Chittenden has served as Associate General Counsel for HMI for the past three years, where
she advised senior management on a range of business and legal matters. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at the University of Tampa.
Eric Smith was previously Chief Commercial Officer for Overseas Shipholding Group where he was responsible for business development, as well as the 
chartering and commercial operations of the company’s 24-vessel fleet.
“I am looking forward to serving the company in this new capacity and to continuing the Hendry legacy,” said Chittenden. “Eric and I have hit the ground running. We are looking for partnerships, joint ventures, alliances – anything we can do to enhance the service for our customers while simultaneously growing our company.”
“The opportunity to be part of this legacy organization and help shape its future is one I embrace wholeheartedly” Smith said of HMI. The Tampa maritime and port community, combined with HMI, is an integral and unique part of our regions fabric. I am proud to be aligned with both.”
Hendry Corporation was started by Captain F.M. Hendry 90 years ago to provide oyster shells for roads and other construction projects. Over the decades, the company added dredging and many other maritime services. It is now a one-stop shop for marine-related services, including gas-freeing through Universal Environmental Solutions and repair through Gulf Marine Repair. The company also has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which allows all team members to participate in the financial success of the company.