Executive Leadership Team

Yehuda Chakoff is a graduate of the University of Virginia and a former nuclear submarine officer. With over 25 years of experience in the marine sector, he has held various management roles in engineering, contracts, and program management. Yehuda joined IMIA in 2004 as the inaugural Submarine Program Manager and has since taken on positions of increasing responsibility, playing a key role in IMIA’s growth from a small regional contractor to the National leader in Navy preservation and structural repairs.

He was instrumental in transitioning IMIA from a subcontractor to a prime contractor for Naval preservation projects. Yehuda also spearheaded the expansion of IMIA’s offerings to include specialty tiling, lead handling, shipboard structural repair, and nuclear remediation, broadening the company’s expertise beyond preservation. 

In June 2022, Yehuda became CEO of ARMADA Parent, an independent provider of marine preservation, structural, scaffolding, environmental containment, and staffing services, supporting maintenance, repair, overhaul, and new construction projects for the military and commercial maritime industries.

With over 30-years of experience driving financial and operational transformation for high performing companies within the defense and intelligence industry, Randy is recognized for aligning financial activity with mission critical operations and shareholder outcomes.  As ARMADA’s CFO, he will oversee and guide the financial, legal, compliance and IT activities of the company and work with the rest of the leadership team to enhance enterprise value with discipline and clarity.  Prior to this role, Randy was the Sr. Vice-President/General Manager and CFO of MAXAR’s Government Services business and has held several CFO and Executive leadership roles for publicly traded, privately owned, and Private Equity sponsored high performing businesses throughout his career.   Randy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has completed the Executive Development program at the University of Pennsylvania’s – Wharton School of Business.    

Jonathan Thompson, an alumnus of the Newport News Apprentice School, brings over a quarter-century of experience in the marine industry. His expansive career encompasses a diverse array of management roles, including project management, contracts, program management, and manufacturing. Joining IMIA in 2018, Jonathan has been instrumental in transforming the company from a specialized paint contractor into a comprehensive turn-key solutions provider. Under his guidance, IMIA has broadened its service portfolio to include an array of non-preservation solutions, such as intricate structural repairs, pipe repairs and installations, mechanical work, and radiological remediation, thereby enhancing the company’s value proposition and industry standing.

With over 24 years in the ship repair industry, Matt Schaltegger brings a wealth of experience from every major U.S. port, having held roles such as foreman, estimator, planner, project manager, and VP. As the General Manager of American Scaffold, LLC, Matt oversees daily operations, strategic planning, and profit and loss. He has developed and implemented a robust ability to project results, ensuring reliable financial projections for sponsors and stakeholders. Matt’s personal philosophy is to “be the solution,” fostering a culture of innovation through empowerment and trust within his team.

Mike Challoner brings six decades of marine industry experience to his role as President of Main Industries. With a solid foundation in shipyard repair manufacturing, Mike expanded his expertise in marine surface preparation and coating, working as a commissioned sales agent specializing in marine paints, coatings, and sandblasting equipment. His extensive experience includes collaborations with shipyards, marine fleet operators, and engineering firms. As an entrepreneur, Mike founded an equipment rental company before cofounding Main Industries in 1976 with three family investors.

From its inception, Mike has been instrumental in every phase of Main Industries’ growth. He spearheaded landmark projects, including the grit blasting and coating application on the first RCOH overhaul of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) at Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. Mike also played a key role in establishing the company’s non-skid division and scaffolding program. 

As President, Mike remains committed to cultivating Main Industries’ reputation for delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality marine projects on time and within budget. He emphasizes safety, compliance and profitability in every endeavor.

Mike’s leadership philosophy centers on mentoring the next generation of marine industry professionals.  By offering hands-on learning, guidance with minimal oversight, and fostering pride in craftsmanship, he helps young talent discover their ideal career paths in this dynamic and complex field.

Eric Dayton, a distinguished veteran of both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy, where he was notably attached to the Marine Corps, joined IMIA in 2018. Bringing with him an impressive 22-year track record in finance and accounting, Eric has held various management and leadership roles across a spectrum of industries. His expertise is further solidified by his prestigious professional designations as a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. Eric’s diverse background and deep financial acumen make him a vital contributor to ARMADA’s strategic financial planning and operational success.