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Meet the Team

Our People

DLS takes pride in our most important asset, our amazing team. We are dedicated to the maritime community with over 50 years of marine survey and appraisal experience. 
the Team you can trust

DLS prides itself on providing clients with exceptional service and that can only be accomplished by having an amazing team. With over 30 years of marine asset appraisal experience, we can proudly say we have the most experienced staff in the United States when it comes to marine surveys and appraisals.

Leadership Team

Harry Ward

President
About Me

Norman Dufour, Jr.

Executive Vice-President
About Me

Rock O’Keefe

Cargo Manager
About Me

Nick Paternostro

Hull & Machinery Manager
About Me

Mary Brook

Internal Operations Manager
About Me

Staff Members

Mimi Alonso

Admin Assistant
email me

Anthony “Tony” Anselmi

Hull & Machinery Surveyor
About Me

Ryan Armida

Hull & Machinery Surveyor
About Me

Tammy Bailey

QC Manager
email me

Antonio Barrera

Inland Surveyor
email me

Sally Boldman

Admin Assistant
email me

Wes Cardwell

Cargo Surveyor
About Me

Nicole Daul

Admin Assistant
email me

Paul Deister

ASA Appraiser, Hull & Machinery Surveyor
About Me

Norman Laskay

Of Counsel, ASA Appraiser
About Me

Greg Marchese

Senior Construction Manager & Inspector
email me

Matt McDaniel

Hull & Machinery Surveyor
About Me

Tyler Maxwell

Cargo Surveyor
About Me

Mike McEntee

Hull & Machinery Surveyor
About Me

Austin O’Keefe

Cargo Surveyor
About Me

Jennifer Perry

Inland Surveyor
email me

Gary Rankin

Hull & Machinery Surveyor
About Me

Tracy Russo

AR Manager
email me

Mondi Semsar

Hull, Machinery, & Digital Surveyor
About Me

Matt Snell

Hull Surveyor
email me

Charles Sterling

UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager
About Me

Natalie Stoulig

Office Manager
email me

Capt. Larry Strouse

Of Counsel, ASA Appraiser
About Me

Want to join an amazing Team?

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Harry Ward President DLS Marine

Harry Ward

President

Harry Ward is the President of Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc. Harry is a US Navy veteran and has spent much of the past decade in the maritime industry in sales, finance and general management. He has extensive experience in asset and business valuation and is working to maintain DLS leadership in marine appraisal and survey for another 50 years. Harry is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and served as a helicopter pilot and survival instructor through multiple tours of duty. He has an MBA from San Diego State University.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Fleet and Vessel Appraisals
  • Marine Business Valuation
  • Transaction Support – Due Diligence
  • Transaction Support – Marine M&A Advisory
  • Digital Inspection – Marine and Offshore Wind

Education:

  • U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD – 1991, Bachelor of Science
  • San Diego State University, San Diego, CA – 1999, MBA with emphasis in Finance

Licenses and Professional Associations

  • FINRA Licenses, Series 63 and 79 (Investment Banking)
  • American Society of Appraisers, AM
  • Certified Exit Planning Advisor, CEPA (Business value assessment and strategy development
 
Norman Dufour - DLS Marine Valuation

Norman J. Dufour

Executive Vice President

Mr. Dufour joined Stickney Marine Surveying, Inc. in 1977, and was promoted to Vice-President of Operations in 1978. In 1988, he assumed the duties of President.

Mr. Dufour has surveyed all types of commercial marine vessels, including ships, tugs, towboats, crewboats, supply vessels, barges, derricks, dredges, and lift vessels, including their machinery. He is qualified in various State and Federal Courts in marine surveying, safety, engineering, and appraisal.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Commercial Marine Vessels
  • Fleet Appraisals
  • Marine Safety

Education:

  • United States Coast Guard Academy Graduate
  • Naval Damage Control School
  • USCG Merchant Marine Safety School
  • EMD Engine School
  • Marine Gear Design & Application

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS
  • Certified Marine Surveyor
  • National President 1996-1997
  • National Vice-President 1994-1995
  • Regional Vice-President East Gulf Region 1988-1991
  • ASA
  • Accredited Senior Appraiser
  • Local Chapter President/Vice-President 1991-1994 and 2009-2010

Email: ndufour@dlsmarine.com

Rock O'Keefe - DLS Marine Valuation

Rock O’Keefe

Cargo Manager
Mr. O’Keefe joined Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc. in 2000. For the previous three years, Mr. O’Keefe operated an independent survey firm in Houston, working for various container lines, freight forwarders, and domestic and international insurers. Mr. O’Keefe began his career in 1980 and has worked fulltime in the marine surveying and adjusting industry.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Steel Cargoes
  • Containers
  • Perishable Goods
  • Motor Truck Mishaps
  • Theft Investigations

Education:

  • Sam Houston State University – Biochem Curriculum

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • Licensed Multi-Line Adjuster – State of Florida 1995-1997
  • Lloyd’s of London Certificate of Cargo Surveying Proficiency, Stage 1 and Stage 2
Email: rokeefe@dlsmarine.com

Nick Paternostro

Hull & Machinery Manager

Areas of Expertise:

  • Commercial Vessels
  • Propulsion and Auxiliary Machinery
  • Port State Control
  • SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ILO, Loadline, Tonnage

Education:

  • Shipboard Damage Control and Firefighting School – Land and Vessel based Engineer
  • ISPS Security Course
  • Caterpillar 3400 Series Services School
  • Caterpillar Failure Analysis I
  • International Ship and Port Security Course

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Mr. Paternostro joined the firm in 2006, after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Vessel Inspector. His surveying experience includes hull and machinery damages and repair, load/secure/trip surveys, salvage, general condition, and on/off charter surveys. He is also in the process of being trained as a marine appraiser and is a candidate member of the American Society of Appraisers.

npaternostro@dlsmarine.com 

Mary Brook

Internal Operations Manager

Areas of Expertise:

  • Marine Appraiser, ASA (AM)
  • Operations Management
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Administrative Team Supervisor
  • Logistics and Program Development

Education:

  • U.S. Coast Guard Academy Graduate
  • American Society of Appraisers Machinery and Technical Specialties Courses 
  • USPAP Courses

Background:

Mary joined the firm in 2019. Her marine background spans from offshore sailing in college, to a mate on passenger vessels and an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. Mary runs the internal operations at DLS to include managing the administrative staff, marketing, implementing technology and process improvements, and facilitating events. She worked as an appraisal associate under the direction of Norman Dufour for two years to become a certified ASA marine appraiser.

mbrook@dlsmarine.com
Anthony J. “Tony” Anselmi - Hull & Machinery Surveyor - DLS Marine

Anthony J. “Tony” Anselmi

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Damage Surveys
  • Condition Surveys
  • Trip in Tow/Trip Under Own Power Suitability Surveys
  • On/Off Charter Surveys

Education:

  • B.A. – Political Science – Nicholls State University
  • NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor
  • USPAP and ME 201 – American Society of Appraisers

Background:

Anthony started his maritime career on shrimp trawling vessel working with his grandfather at the age 15. While studying at Nicholls State University, Anthony worked for Danos & Curole during the summers and breaks as a rigger/roustabout working at shoreside facilities between Galliano and Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Anthony joined DLS in May 2024. Anthony brings seventeen years of marine surveying experience working on a variety of inland and offshore vessels/barges and is a Certified Marine Surveyor with the National Association of Marine Surveyors. Anthony is based in Louisiana and accepts assignments in hull and machinery damage surveys, condition surveys for financial, insurance and pre-purchase purposes, on/off hire surveys, trip in tow/trip under own power surveys, damage claims review, and salvage monitoring.
tanselmi@dlsmarine.com
Ryan Armida DLS

Ryan T. Armida

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Cargo Damage

Education:

  • B.S. in International Maritime Business – Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  • NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor
  • ABYC Certified Advisor 

Background:

Mr. Armida graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and received a Bachelor of Science degree in International Maritime Business.  He joined DLS in 2008 as a hull and machinery surveyor and appraiser trainee. Mr. Armida is based in the Northeast and performs surveys including cargo damage, salvage, trip in tows, pre-purchase, hull and property damage, condition/valuation, fair market value, general condition, and on/off charter surveys. 

rarmida@dlsmarine.com
Wes Cardwell - Cargo Survey - DLS

Wes Cardwell

Cargo Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Steel Cargo
  • General Cargoes
  • Wood/Timber Cargoes

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science – University of New Orleans

Professional Certification:

  • Licensed Property & Casualty Adjuster Texas 2002-2003
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Adjuster Alabama 2003-2004
  • Lloyd’s of London Certificate of Cargo Surveying Proficiency, Stage 1 and Stage 2

Background:

Mr. Cardwell joined Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc. in 2004. Mr. Cardwell performs loss prevention, discharge and/or loading surveys in the Gulf area on various commodities. Before coming to Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc., Mr. Cardwell was a property & casualty adjuster and handled cargo and liability investigations for trucking accidents.

wcardwell@dlsmarine.com 

Paul F. Deister

ASA Appraiser, Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull Damage
  • Machinery Damage – Including EMD Turbocharger Failure Analysis
  • Commercial Vessel Valuation
  • Marine Fleeting Operations
  • Expert Witness Testimony – State and Federal Courts

Education:

  • New York Maritime – Fort Schuyler
  • B.S. in Meteorology and Oceanography

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS – CMS
  • Detroit Diesel School – George Engine Company
  • 24-Hour Hazwoper
  • NDT School
  • NACE Corrosion School
  • American Society of Appraisers – Senior Accredited Appraiser

Background:

Mr. Deister is a 1975 graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. Mr. Deister holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology and Oceanography and also holds a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner’s License as Third Mate.

Mr. Deister also has Hull and P & I marine insurance underwriting experience with the Marine Office of America Corporation in New Orleans, Louisiana. He also has experience in the operation of an inland towboat and fleeting operation as general manager.

Mr. Deister also has extensive training and experience with marine diesel engine and reduction gear failures. He brings with us thirty years of marine surveying experience in hull, machinery, salvage, dock damages, trip surveys, and marine appraisals. Mr. Deister is certificated in vapor recovery and HAZWOPER.

He has also testified in both State and Federal court as an expert witness in marine surveying.

Mr. Deister is a member of NAMS and is an ASA senior appraiser.

pdeister@dlsmarine.com 

Norm Laskay - DLS Marine Valuation

Norman F. Laskay

Of Counsel

Mr. Laskay joined Stickney, Dufour & Associates, Inc. in 1988 as a partner. He is now of Counsel. He became a Marine Surveyor in 1974, having gained prior experience in steamship agency, bulk cargo handling and vessel operations. He has been involved in many aspects of marine surveying including hull, machinery and cargo, both inland and ocean. Since becoming an Accredited Senior Appraiser of commercial marine equipment, he has been active with the American Society of Appraisers’ International Machinery and Technical Specialties Committee. He has written a comprehensive exam for the Commercial Marine Appraisal specialty and has written a 30-hour course for the American Society of Appraisers on appraising commercial marine vessels and yachts and is the lead instructor.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Commercial Marine Appraisal
  • Hull Damage and Repair
  • Cargo Loading, Securing and Trip in Tow Preparation

Education:

  • Maine Maritime Academy Graduate
    B.S. in Marine Transportation
  • Continuing education credits in Law, Appraisal, Marine Survey, and Diesel Repair.

Professional Certification/Memberships:

  • NAMS Regional Board of Directors Member 1989-1994
  • American Society of Appraisers – Chapter Treasurer 1991-1994
  • American Society of Appraisers – Chapter President 1994-1995
  • Mark Twain Club (Charter Member)
  • Machinery and Technical Specialties International Committee 1995-Present

Publications

  • The Journal of the International Machinery & Technical Specialties Committee of the American Society of Appraisers “TUGBOAT DESIGN 101” Vol 13 No. 2 Fall 1996
  • The Journal of the International Machinery & Technical Specialties Committee of the American Society of Appraisers “KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR MARINE ASSET” Vol 13 No. 3 Winter 1996
  • Marine Money, The Ship Finance Publication of Record “ASSET BASED APPRAISAL:, Vol. 21, No. 3, May/June 2006 Wrote the chapter on Marine Asset Appraisal for the American Society of Appraisers text book: “VALUING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF APPRAISING MACHINERY AND TECHNICAL ASSETS” Second Edition. In 2008, revised the chapter for the future Third Edition and wrote an accompanying Work Book section.

Email: nlaskay@dlsmarine.com

  

Matt McDaniel DLS Marine Survey and Appraisal

Matt McDaniel

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Damage Assessment and Repairs
  • Condition
  • Inspections
  • Project Management

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Matt began marine surveying in 2014 and has experience with damage causation, reviewing transit plans, new construction, cargo transfers, salvage operations, on/off charters, and general condition surveys. He joined the Hull & Machinery department at DLS in 2019.

mmcdaniel@dlsmarine.com
Tyler Maxwell - Cargo Surveyor - DLS Marine

Tyler Maxwell

Cargo Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Cargo

Education:

  • National Association of Marine Surveyors – Specialization in Cargo
  • Certification of Draft Survey Competence

Background:

Tyler Maxwell started his surveying career in 2016, collecting samples and performing lab analysis of bulk cargo. He studied draft and bunker surveys, hull and machinery, and vessel appraisals before applying to become a Certified Marine Surveyor through the National Association of Marine Surveyors, with a specialization in Cargo. He is now educating others in draft surveying procedures with an online course he developed from the ground up. 

 

As an Associate Surveyor, Mr. Maxwell will be conducting loading and discharge surveys of steel products, cargo damage surveys, and writing narrative reports. 

tmaxwell@dlsmarine.com

Mike McEntee

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery

Education:

  • Series 71 Detroit Diesel Repairs
  • Certified pipe welder, 6/G all positions
  • Extensive training in engine, gear, and shaft alignment
  • Extensive training in vessel repair and new construction
  • Salvage master marine vessels and oil platforms in the US Gulf of Mexico

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Mr. McEntee has over 30 years of experience with the new construction, repairs, operations, sales, and salvaging of marine equipment in the Gulf of Mexico and the lower Mississippi River. He has managed the operations of several marine companies with as many as 50 employees both on/offshore.

Mr. McEntee has served over 8 years as a marine surveyor performing numerous types of surveys in the marine industry prior to joining DLS.

mmcentee@dlsmarine.com

Austin M. O’Keefe

Cargo Surveyor

Areas of Expertise

  • Cargo

Education

  • Hillsborough Community College (HCC) – Graduate 2012
    Tampa, Florida
    Associate in Arts Honor’s Degree
  • University of South Florida (USF) – 2012 – Present
    Tampa, Florida
    Economics Degree ongoing

Background

Austin O’Keefe joined Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc. in May 2014.

As an Associate Surveyor, he is actively handling and assisting with discharge surveys of steel products, including but not limited to steel pipe, tubing, and flat rolled steel coils. In addition, he will conduct cargo damage surveys, including but not limited to electronic equipment, plywood, frozen seafood, and fruits and vegetables. Additional duties include preparing preliminary survey reports and proofreading.

aokeefe@dlsmarine.com

Gary L. Rankin

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery Damage
  • Commercial and Recreational Vessel Condition and Valuations
  • Trip-in-Tow
  • Heavy Lift and Transportation Projects
  • Expert Witness Testimony – Federal Court

Education:

  • Various naval sponsored schools

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Mr. Rankin joined DLS in 2008 and brings thirty one years of marine experience. He is experienced in hull and machinery damage and repair, dock damages, salvage, trip-in-tow surveys, cranes, bridges, and marine appraisals. Mr. Rankin is retired from the U.S. Navy having spent the last seven years as a tug boat captain and operations manager.

grankin@dlsmarine.com
Mondi Semsar - DLS Marin

Mondi Semsar

Hull, Machinery, & Digital Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Bulk Commodity Management
  • Digital Surveying Techniques
  • Quality Control and Safety Compliance
  • Operational Efficiency Optimization

Education:

  • CFR Part 107
  • AS in Accounting
  • AS in PTEC (Oil Processing and Operations)
  • AA in Allied Health
  • NASM CNC (Certified Nutrition Coach)
  • NASM BCS (Behavior Change Specialist)

Background:

Mondi Semsar joined the firm in 2024, bringing over a decade of expertise in bulk commodity management, operational efficiency, USDA grade standards for grain inspection, and quality control. Prior to this, he worked as a Surveyor and Bulk Commodity Supervisor at Russell Marine Group and served as a Manager and Instructor in the health and wellness industry. With specialized knowledge in large-scale grain operations and regulatory compliance, both domestically and internationally, Mondi applies a holistic, disciplined approach to every project, prioritizing precision, safety, and client engagement.

msemsar@dlsmarine.com
Charles Sterling - DLS - UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager

Charles Sterling

UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager

Areas of Expertise:

  • Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles & ROV’s
  • Digital Inspections
  • Computer Technology

Professional Certifications:

  • AS, Computer Information Systems
  • BS, Information Technology
  • FLIR Infrared Training Institute

Certified Specialist in Caterpillar diesel engines to include:

  • CFR Part 107
  • Level 1 sUAS Thermographer
  • Microsoft Certified System Engineer

Background:

Charles joined the firm in 2024, after managing an enterprise drone service provider based in New Orleans. He also teaches basic and advanced UAV class at Delgado Community College. Charles has extensive experience planning, flying complex missions in the Industrial, Chemical and Oil & Gas industries.

csterling@dlsmarine.com
Larry Strouse - DLS Marine Valuation

Capt. Larry E. Strouse

Of Counsel

Capt. Strouse joined DLS Marine in 1997 as Vice-President. Having 40 plus years in the marine industry, he has developed a wealth of experience and knowledge in all facets of marine surveying, appraisal, and vessel operation with the ability to serve a wide array of clientele.

Capt. Strouse maintains an unlimited masters and pilot license with various endorsements of routes and waters of navigation. Capt. Strouse has been qualified as an expert in Vessel Operations, Vessel Safety, Shipyard Operations, Vessel Value, Personal Watercraft and Yacht Operation/ Safety. His Testimony work  has been positively recognized in Federal Appellate Court and positively recognized by the US House of Representatives. 

Areas of Expertise:

  • Vessel Operations
  • Navigation and Safety Expert Witness
  • Gaming Vessel Appraisal
  • Commercial Vessel Appraisal
  •  Machinery & Equipment Appraisal
  •  Specialized Cargo
  • Yacht Appraisal

Education:

  • Louisiana State University (1963-1965)
  • ASA Appraisal Courses
  • Educational Seminars
  • USMC Basic Training, Combat Training, Aircraft Mechanic School, Embarkation School

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • Annually comply with Continuing Education Requirements
  • National Association of Marine Surveyors Certified Marine Surveyor
  • American Society of Appraisers – Accredited Senior Member
  • The Marine Surveyors Guild (President – 1993-1996)
  • American Boat and Yacht Council
  • NAMS East Gulf Regional Vice President 1993-1995
  • USCG Licensed Master Unlimited

Email: lstrouse@dlsmarine.com

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Ave P. Boudreaux

Marine Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Project Management Supervisor (QC) – overseen numerous construction and delivery schedules for vessels
  • Extensive knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and ABS rules and regulations for vessel construction and repair

Education:

  • Rolls-Royce Z-Drive Failure Analysis Seminar
  • Flex-Core and Aluminum Welding Course
  • Extensive training in engine, gear, and shaft alignment
  • Extensive training in vessel repair and new construction

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Mr. Boudreaux has 15 years experience with offshore supply vessels, crewboats, and anchor handling tugs. During this time, he served 8 years in vessel repair and new construction, 3 years in vessel operation and logistics, and 4 years as a vessel port captain.

Mr. Boudreaux served over 3 years as a marine surveyor performing numerous types of surveys in the marine industry prior to joining DLS.

 aboudreaux@dlsmarine.com