Our Team
Jeffrey Kuenning
VP of Engineering
Jeff Kuenning is a naval architect and marine engineer.
As the director of naval architecture for Boksa Marine Design, Jeff is responsible for stability analysis, speed /power analysis, weight studies, drafting, structural calculations and design, 3D design, engine room ventilation and systems design.
He assures regulatory compliance with significant experience with regulations with USCG, ABS, ABYC and other class societies.
Kuenning graduated from the University of Michigan with a BSE in naval architecture and marine engineering. Jeff previously was a naval architect and marine engineer with Netsco, Inc. and John W. Gilbert & Associates, Inc.
Joshua Trupia
Marine Engineer
Josh Trupia is a marine and mechanical engineer responsible for mechanical and structural engineering, production engineering and propulsions system arrangements.
Previously, Josh was a mechanical engineer for Tampa Ship. He also worked as an assistant engineer on tugs for K-Sea Transportation.
As a marine engineering for Boksa Marine Design, Josh relocated from our BMD HQ in Florida to Arkansas to immerse our naval engineering company in the inland river market, focused on ATBs, barges and pushtugs for operators and shipyards on the Arkansas, Mississippi, Ouchita and White Rivers. Trupia is a graduate of State University of New York Maritime College and holds a Bachelors of Engineering (B.E.), Marine Engineering.
Mike Valentine
Marine Design Manager
Mike Valentine is a marine designer with Boksa Marine Design focused on production engineering and ship constructor modeling.
Previously, Mike worked with Bath Iron Works, a division of General Dynamics, on the label plates team on DDG 51 and the hull outfit team for DDG 1000.
Mike served in the U.S. Army I was in the Army, deployed to Iraq and stationed on the Tallil Air Force Base. He was also an Army Reservist in the 619th Transportation Company out of Auburn Maine.
James Pilliod
Marine Systems Engineer
A 2013 graduate from US Merchant Marine Academy, James is a USCG 2nd Assistant Engineer commissioned in US Navy Reserve. Pilliod worked as a marine engineer aboard ships for Noble Drilling and was on Noble’s delivery engineering team for new builds with Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Pilliod served as a marine engineer aboard various cargo ships and offshore supply vessels, and enjoys working on small sail and power boats in his spare time. He volunteers with Warrior Sailing Program, racing with disabled veterans, teaching them how to sail in team events. Warrior Sailing Program helps veterans recover physically and mentally, challenging them and building self-confidence through the sport of sailing.
"James Pilliod brings expertise with naval architecture and actual sea time to our clients, having kicked steel onboard ships," said Nick Boksa, president of Boksa Marine Design (BMD). "Having guys like James onboard at BMD is why every Boksa boat is truly engineered for the sea."
Jack Becker
Naval Architect
Jack Becker is a naval architect with Boksa Marine Design, designing composite vessels and structures to meet ISO requirements.
Jack graduated from Webb Institute with dual degrees, Bachelor of Science in naval architecture and marine engineering. He previously was an intern for Metal Shark Boats in naval architecture and shipyard production.
At Matson, Inc. Jack was an engine and deck cadet in Pacific Ocean operations.
Oscar Suarez
Naval Architect
Oscar graduated from SUNY Maritime College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture.
Oscar works on stability analysis, speed/power analysis, structural calculations and design
With a passion for the classics and maritime history, Oscar volunteers on weekends to help restore and maintain the American Victory Ship museum. He recently participated in the museum's 813 Day, helping to inform the public of this original WWII ship docked in Channel side of Tampa Bay.
Luke Tiefenthaler
Marine Systems Engineer
Luke is a 2018 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, a licensed 3rd Assistant Engineer, and a U.S. Navy reservist.
Luke is a marine systems and project engineer who specializes in designing and integrating propulsion & electrical control systems as well as ABS-certified bridge, navigation, and dynamic positioning systems.
Luke has previously worked on various U.S. Navy ship design programs, including the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, the USS Constellation (FFG-62) guided-missile frigate, and the TAGOS-25 class Ocean Surveillance ship. He has also sailed on various commercial and Military Sealift Command vessels as a marine engineer including T-AGM-25, T-AKE, T-ARS, and T-AK.
Reid McHenry
Naval Architect
Reid McHenry is a 2021 graduate of State University of New York Maritime College (SUNY Maritime) at Fort Schuyler with a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He is a deck officer holding a USCG license as 2nd Mate.
After working offshore aboard supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico’s oil and gas industry, Reid transitioned to shore as a naval architect at Boksa Marine Design. He assists with a variety of tasks from 3D design to weight estimation.
“Growing up in the Virgin Islands, I was deeply integrated with the ocean and all it encompasses," said Reid. "From competitive sailing and spearfishing to leisure days on the water, I thank my experiences in the islands for the motivation that led me to naval architecture.”
Tim Chase
Marine Designer
Maritime engineering veteran Tim Chase has joined BMD as a marine designer.
With 20 years of experience in the shipbuilding industry, Tim's many roles include marine designer, project manager and purchasing manager. He has worked extensively in the Great Lakes and Gulf Coast regions.
Tim assimilated into our Tampa HQ for training, but will usually work remotely in Pennsylvania for BMD. He graduated from California University of Pennsylvania.
Molly Boksa
Salty Sea Dog
Molly sits under her master’s desk during the day on a lounger pillow, juggling tennis balls in-between digesting tidbits on mechanical structures and class certification and Tier 4 compliant marine engines.
Follow @Molly_Boksa on Instagram for more dog hair.