THE WILLIAM M. KENNEDY AWARD
Outstanding Service and Contribution in the Development of Systems and
Planning Applying to Shipbuilding and Ship Repair
Denis Morais | SSI
Denis Morais is CEO of SSI and a Fellow of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME). He brings more than 25 years of experience in the global business of shipbuilding, working closely with shipyards, designers, and owners across commercial and naval programs. Throughout his career, Denis has partnered directly with industry leaders and SSI customers worldwide to address some of the shipbuilding industry’s most complex business and technology challenges. He is deeply involved in helping organizations adopt modern digital tools, integrated data workflows, and emerging technologies, including practical applications of automation and AI, to improve efficiency, collaboration, and long-term vessel outcomes.
Denis’ deep understanding of both the operational realities of shipyards and the evolving technology landscape continues to guide SSI’s product direction and long-term vision, as he leads the company in delivering innovative, shipbuilding-specific software solutions.
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About The William M. Kennedy Award
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Kennedy Recipients
About The William M. Kennedy Award
The William M. Kennedy Award is for "Outstanding Service and Contribution in the Development of Systems and Planning Applying to Shipbuilding and Ship Repair".
It was established by the Executive Committee in 1980 in accordance with the terms of the will of its namesake, William M. Kennedy.
The title will be "The William M. Kennedy Award." The award consists of a certificate suitably framed plus one thousand dollars. Eligibility for the award need not be limited to membership in SNAME. The proposal for this award may be made by a member of SNAME in good standing. The selection of the nominee for the award shall be made by the Awards Committee of SNAME. Announcement and presentation of the award will be made at the Ship Production Symposium or at such time as the President of SNAME may arrange. The award may be made annually.
Kennedy Recipients
2026 | Denis Morais | ||
2025 | Patrick Dean Roberts | 2002 | Frederick J. Harris |
2024 | John P. Walks | 2001 | No Recipient |
2023 | David J. Carver | 2000 | Janice S. Grace |
2022 | Robert E. Heger | 1999 | No Recipient |
2021 | William B. Hale | 1998 | No Recipient |
2020 | Rick S. Spaulding | 1997 | Jan R. Erickson |
2019 | Lee G. Kvidahl | 1996 | Richard A. Goldbach |
2018 | Paul J. Albert | 1995 | W. Patrick Keene |
2017 | James F. Hughes | 1994 | Thomas Lamb |
2016 | Harvey B. Walpert | 1993 | Chester L. Long* |
2015 | Dennis Fanguy | 1992 | No Recipient |
2014 | Albert L. Bossier, Jr. | 1991 | W. R. (Pat) Phillips, Jr.* |
2013 | Arthur W. Divens | 1990 | Mark S. O’Hare |
2012 | Richard Self | 1989 | Donald W. Challinor* |
2011 | W. David Whiddon | 1988 | Raymond Pearlson |
2010 | Richard Lee Storch | 1987 | Ralph Anselmi* |
2009 | Michael W. Toner | 1986 | Thomas C. Rosebraugh |
2008 | Robert L. Gunter | 1985 | John J. Garvey |
2007 | Jay P. Carson | 1984 | Peter E. Jaquith |
2006 | Tim Colton* | 1983 | Charles J. Starkenberg |
2005 | Arnold P. Moore | 1982 | Daniel M. Mack-Forlist |
2004 | John Holmander | 1981 | Louis D. Chirillo* |
2003 | Michael W. Butler |
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