Preng & Associates Recruits SVP of Government Services for American Bureau of Shipping
May 21, 2026 – Houston-based Preng & Associates has placed Rear Admiral Ronald J. Rábago as senior vice president of government services at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). “Admiral Rábago brings exceptional government and industry experience that will further enhance the support we provide to our government clients in the U.S. and around the world,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “His leadership and deep expertise across shipbuilding, acquisition and fleet lifecycle management as well as marine safety, security and environmental protection for the maritime industry directly support ABS’ mission and long‑term strategic priorities.”
Admiral Rábago retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as assistant commandant for engineering and logistics and chief engineer, following more than three decades of service. He has since held senior executive roles in the maritime and shipbuilding industry. He is a graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a bachelor of science in ocean engineering. He later earned master of science degrees in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, as well as a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
In his role, Admiral Rábago will work closely with U.S. and international government stakeholders, supporting integrated ABS services across their fleets as well as industry stakeholders in the development of the maritime industry.
“I am pleased to join ABS at a time of significant change and opportunity across government maritime programs,” said Admiral Rábago. “ABS’ technical excellence and global reach make it uniquely positioned to help governments rapidly meet evolving mission and capability needs as well as broader maritime industrial base development.”
American Bureau of Shipping provides classification services to the marine, offshore, nautical systems, government, advisory services, and gas industries worldwide. The company was incorporated in 1862 and is based in Spring, TX, with representative offices worldwide.
Related: Preng & Associates Recruits CEO for Kimmeridge Texas Gas
Preng & Associates, founded in 1980, is the only retainer-based, international executive search firm specializing solely in the energy industry. The firm’s experience spans the entire energy value chain – from the well head to the wall socket. Its subsector verticals have specific expertise in oil and gas (upstream, midstream, and downstream), oilfield equipment and services, power and utilities, renewables, engineering and construction, and industrials. Preng & Associates has conducted more than 4,000 engagements for over 900 companies and placed individuals for board, executive management, and professional positions in 92 countries.
Recent Search
Preng & Associates recently helped to recruit Jon Gribble as president of major projects and programs Americas of Worley. “I’m excited to begin a new chapter as president, major projects and programs, Americas at Worley,” Mr. Gribble said in a LinkedIn post. “Worley has a strong project delivery heritage and a clear commitment to serving customers across the full EPC lifecycle. I look forward to working with the Americas team to build on that foundation — strengthening partnerships, delivering major programs, and continuing to develop outstanding leaders across the region.”
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Mr. Gribble brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), infrastructure development, and advanced technology markets. He joins Worley following a distinguished nine-year tenure at Kiewit, where he most recently served as executive vice president of Advanced Technologies. In that role, he led strategy and execution for mega-scale infrastructure projects integrating advanced technology with engineering and construction, including data centers, semiconductor fabrication facilities, central utility plants, and industrial water solutions.
Worley is a global professional services company supporting the energy, chemicals, and resources sectors, providing engineering, procurement, construction, consulting, and asset performance services.
Related: Preng & Associates Fills Senior Positions for Ring Energy
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
