JOSEPH D’ISERNIA

CHAIRMAN & CEO, EASTERN SHIPBUILDING GROUP, PANAMA CITY

D’Isernia became chairman and CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group in 2023 after seven years as its president. The second-generation leader — his father founded the company in 1976 — has steered the company as it evolved from a commercial shipyard to “one that excels in the management and execution of government shipbuilding programs as well as commercial programs,” according to the company’s website. It builds everything from ferries to military vessels. He is investing in infrastructure, adding 1,000 linear feet of bulkhead and berthing space, heavy weather mooring and more to help ESG deliver multiple ships per year and has expressed interest in dry dock ship repair. A Florida State University finance grad, D’Isernia’s company employs more than 1,600, making it Northwest Florida’s largest private-sector employer.