FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silver Ships Hires Patrick Payne as Chief Financial Officer

Payne joins leadership team focused on strategic growth

Theodore, Ala. (March 17, 2026) – Silver Ships has hired Patrick Payne for the role of Chief Financial Officer. Payne brings a wealth of experience to the Silver Ships team from three decades of work in accounting, financial reporting, M&A, corporate administration and human resources.

As CFO, Payne will serve as a strategic partner within Silver Ships’ leadership team, with a primary focus on operational efficiencies and growth strategy. With roots in accounting and experience in other administrative roles, he brings his experiences supporting business expansion and efficiency at larger manufacturing focused companies into his work at Silver Ships. Payne prioritizes teamwork, collaboration and understanding the work performed in each area of the business.

“Reaching the position of CFO is the ultimate goal for an accountant,” said Payne. “To have the opportunity to serve as CFO at Silver Ships – one of the most interesting businesses I’ve worked for – and support the team in achieving its vision means a lot to me and will be a fulfilling way to round out my career.”

Payne has proven employer commitment and invested in their success during his career, spending 16 years as Assistant Chief Financial Officer and then Technical Director of Internal Audit for Great Southern Wood Preserving and 10 years as Corporate Controller for Dairy Fresh Corporation. He retired from the Alabama Army National Guard in 2015, after serving for 31 years and reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

His military background also lends itself to being a good fit within the Silver Ships team, of which approximately 30% are U.S. military veterans.

“Silver Ships serves the military, law enforcement and other government agencies with high-quality vessels, so I take a lot of pride in being part of that initiative,” said Payne. “Some employers view military service in the National Guard as an inconvenience, but Silver Ships leadership saw it as a plus and when I had the opportunity to meet the veterans on the team early on, I recognized their mindset and seriousness surrounding their work. It’s great to be on a team with a lot of veterans.”

“We are pleased to welcome Patrick to the Silver Ships team and know his experience and knowledge will help further our mission,” said Steven Clarke, CEO of Silver Ships. “As our business continues to grow and innovate to meet customer needs, it is imperative to add great people to our team.”

 

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About Silver Ships

Silver Ships, Inc. produces high-quality aluminum boats for military, federal, state and municipal government as well as commercial applications through collaboration with highly skilled design, engineering and production resources. With corporate headquarters located in Theodore, Ala., Silver Ships’ production facilities are situated on a 25-acre plant site and utilize state-of-the-art boatbuilding equipment. The company’s vision is to provide customers with a boat designed, built, outfitted and best suited to meet their operational needs while offering the maximum in crew safety and outstanding performance. Silver Ships celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. Learn more at silverships.com.