Stockinger to Leave Apprenticeshop

Rockland, Maine - At its annual meeting on October 20, The Apprenticeshop’s Board of Directors reluctantly accepted Eric Stockinger’s resignation as Executive Director, effective December 31, 2012. “We deeply appreciate the critical role Eric has played in the life of The Apprenticeshop for almost a decade, beginning as an apprentice, then Shop Manager and, for the last three years, as Executive Director,” commented John Rosenblum, co-chair of the Board. “We will miss his expertise, energy, and passionate leadership and wish him well in whatever he decides to do next.”
               “For over nine years, The Apprenticeshop and its community have been a huge part of my life and I have been honored to be part of such a unique organization. Although I am excited about taking on some new challenges in my career, I will always look back at my years with the Shop as some of the most transformative of my life. I will continue to watch with great pride and interest as the school enters its fifth decade,” said Stockinger.
             
The Board is pleased that Margaret Macleod, the school’s Development Director, has agreed to serve as Interim Executive Director effective January 1, 2013. Macleod and Stockinger have worked productively together as an executive team during the past three years. “Margaret brings enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism to every activity in which she is engaged,” said Tom Wood, co-chair of the Board. “The Board is confident that our leadership transition will be smooth.”
               “I am flattered to be asked to serve in this capacity and look forward to working with The Apprenticeshop’s dedicated board of directors during this transition,” said Macleod.
               A search for Stockinger’s successor will be undertaken shortly by the Board’s Executive Committee whose members are Tom Wood and John Rosenblum (co-chairs), Neil Colan, Jim Cuthbertson, Pat Lydon, Tom Moore, Aaron Porter and Maria Simpson.
               Celebrating its 40th anniversary, The Apprenticeshop is a school for traditional boatbuilding and seamanship located on the Rockland, Maine harbor.  A two year apprentice program, twelve week tailored boatbuilding experiences and a wide range of skill focused workshops are offered in the boatbuilding shop.  Sailing lessons for youth and adults, coaching and regattas for high school sailing teams and special events and programs such as the Short Ships rowing competition and an adaptive sailing class are offered through the school’s Rockland Community Sailing program.   A whaleboat for the Charles W. Morgan is currently being constructed in the boatbuilding shop as part of collaboration between Mystic Seaport and The Apprenticeshop.