Marine Construction Industry Veteran Kim Shaughnessy Launches ACK Marine & General Contracting
Nationally Certified Woman-Owned Business Provides Diverse Marine Construction and General Contracting Services
QUINCY, Mass. – Internationally-known marine construction veteran Kim Shaughnessy, longtime chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Cashman Equipment Corp., today officially announced the opening of ACK Marine & General Contracting, LLC, a global marine construction and contracting company based in Quincy, Massachusetts. The firm is certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) at the national level.
“I literally have grown up in the marine construction and services industry, working with clients around the world, and know it represents a huge untapped market for female entrepreneurs,” said Shaughnessy, who serves as president and chief executive officer of ACK Marine & General Contracting. “I believe this company is well-positioned for success in the rapidly growing marine services industry.”
Shaughnessy, a 30-year industry veteran, added, “Establishing this company is a natural progression in a career in which I have been a member of executive management teams focused on off- and on-shore marine construction, barge, crane and tugboat rentals, oil spill response services, salvage and wreck removal support services and project cargo services. ACK Marine & General Contracting will broaden my reach, and open new channels to expand operations and provide services throughout the world.”
During her career, Shaughnessy has formed close working relationships with labor unions including Pile Driving & Divers, the International Union of Operating Engineers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the International Union of Teamsters, and plans to continue those relationships in her new company.
“Pile Drivers Local 56 looks forward to working with ACK Marine & General Contracting and supporting their operations with skilled marine construction workers,” said David Borrus, Business Representative of Pile Drivers Local 56. “We have worked with owner Kim Shaughnessy for many years during her tenure at Cashman Equipment and J.M. Cashman Inc., we know her to be an experienced and responsible manager, and wish her every success with the launch of her new company.”
“Kim Shaughnessy’s willingness to outwork everyone to ensure the job is done right contributed to the success of Cashman Equipment Corp. and positions her for continued accomplishments,” said Lou G. Rasetta, Business Manager & General Vice President and Paul C. Diminico, Business Agent & Financial Secretary of The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4. “We look forward to working with her in her new role as CEO of ACK Marine & General Contracting and supporting the firm’s projects.”
The certification of ACK Marine & General Contracting as a WBE establishes that the business is majority-owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. The WBE certification enhances the company’s ability to compete for business opportunities throughout the country as well as with government entities at all levels.
“I have worked closely with Kim in her roles with Cashman Equipment Corp. as she expertly guided the company’s worldwide operations,” said John J. Hannon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mayflower Engineering, Inc.; Brigadier General, Massachusetts National Guard, Retired. “I am confident that her diversified experience and extensive insight in contract management and marine equipment rental will enable her to lead ACK Marine & General Contracting to great success.”
Shaughnessy’s fast-paced, global career includes C-suite and management positions at some of the industry’s most prominent companies. Since 1995, Shaughnessy has served as the CFO and COO of Cashman Equipment Corp. (CEC) a global provider of barges and marine services with more than 130 vessels, as well as specialized oil spill recovery barges, tugs and cranes. Owned by entrepreneur Jamie Cashman, CEC has offices in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Singapore, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and Africa.
Since 2006, Shaughnessy also has been owner and chief financial officer of Servicio Marina Superior, LLC (doing business as Superior Marine International 4barges.com). A tugboat rental and marine contracting and transportation business, Servicio Marina Superior operates on both inland and offshore waterways with a special emphasis on the international market.
Shaughnessy began her career in the industry in 1986 as an accountant at J. M. Cashman, Inc., a marine construction and services company.
While attending Newbury College in Brookline, Massachusetts, Shaughnessy studied Financial Accounting. She also has studied accounting at Quincy College and Massasoit Community College and has taken advanced education courses in tax, insurance and other fields. Shaughnessy holds a Captain’s Master 50 Ton License, a Captain’s Master 100 Ton Certificate and an Assistance Towing Endorsement License from the U.S. Coast Guard.