IMIA Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

IMIA has 4 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, financial oversight, and operational leadership.

Focused on maritime excellence, IMIA delivers critical preservation and structural repair services to the US Navy, ensuring the operational readiness of complex naval assets through specialized environmental containment and steel maintenance solutions.

Leadership Roles at IMIA

  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Elgin Helton
  • President - Yehuda Chakoff
  • President - Jonathan Thompson
  • Chief of Staff - Robert Richards
  • Elgin Helton - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Elgin Helton, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at IMIA, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation for specialized scaffolding and environmental containment equipment, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support USN contract requirements. Elgin Helton manages complex budgeting processes for structural steel repair operations across all major shipyards. This role involves evaluating the financial viability of new construction projects and monitoring the cost-efficiency of the 1,100-employee workforce. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks associated with large-scale maritime maintenance. Through strategic financial planning, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term growth of the company within the competitive defense industry. This leadership function remains essential for maintaining the fiscal discipline necessary to deliver high-quality services to the US Navy and commercial vessel clients.

    Yehuda Chakoff - President

    Yehuda Chakoff, the President at IMIA, drives the overarching strategic vision for maritime preservation and structural repair services. Focusing on the expansion of service capabilities for USN submarines and aircraft carriers, the President architects long-term partnerships with major shipyards. Yehuda Chakoff oversees the deployment of the 1,100-employee workforce to ensure consistent delivery of environmental containment and steel repair solutions. This role involves high-level engagement with defense stakeholders to align company services with evolving naval MRO requirements. By fostering a culture of technical excellence, the President ensures that all operations meet the stringent safety and quality standards of the maritime industry. Through the leadership of the President, the company maintains its market-leading position in complex structural maintenance. This executive role requires constant monitoring of industry trends to adapt service offerings for surface combatants and auxiliaries, ultimately securing the operational longevity of critical naval assets.

    Jonathan Thompson - President

    Jonathan Thompson, the President at IMIA, directs the operational execution of large-scale maritime projects and infrastructure initiatives. Focusing on the technical delivery of scaffolding and environmental containment services, the President ensures that all structural steel repair work adheres to precise engineering specifications. Jonathan Thompson manages the logistical complexities of supporting USN shipyards across diverse geographic regions. This role involves optimizing the supply chain for specialized materials and equipment required for submarine and surface combatant maintenance. By driving operational efficiency, the President enhances the company's ability to meet tight project timelines for the US Navy. Through the leadership of the President, the organization maintains high standards of safety and environmental compliance during all repair activities. This executive function supports the company's mission by ensuring that every project delivers superior results, thereby reinforcing the reputation of the firm as a premier provider of maritime maintenance and construction services.

    Robert Richards - Chief of Staff

    Robert Richards, the Chief of Staff at IMIA, coordinates internal communications and cross-departmental workflows to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to focus on high-level maritime maintenance contracts. Robert Richards manages the integration of internal policies across all major USN shipyards, facilitating efficient resource allocation for complex structural steel repair projects. This role involves constant collaboration with the President to refine operational protocols and improve workforce productivity. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, the Chief of Staff maintains the organizational agility required to support large-scale environmental containment services. By optimizing internal reporting structures, the Chief of Staff directly contributes to the successful execution of MRO requirements for aircraft carriers and surface combatants. This leadership position ensures that all internal departments operate in harmony to meet the demanding standards of the defense sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding IMIA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads IMIA?
    IMIA is led by Elgin Helton (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Yehuda Chakoff (President) and Jonathan Thompson (President).
    Who is part of IMIA’s executive team?
    The executive team of IMIA includes leaders such as Elgin Helton (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Yehuda Chakoff (President), Jonathan Thompson (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does IMIA have?
    IMIA has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in IMIA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of IMIA includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Chief of Staff.