Russ Shiplet, a retired trainer for the Navy who has experience as an educator and youth sports advocate, is the new executive director of the Kitsap Building Association.

He succeeds Teresa Taylor, who moved on to become executive director of the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs.

The Kitsap Building Association is an association of builders, subcontractors and related service providers in the home-building industry.

Shiplet earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Western Washington University, and a master’s degree in education at Old Dominion University. He served in the U.S. Navy, and taught math and computer technology at Klahowya Secondary School and King’s West.

During his civil service career, he worked as a trainer at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, deputy training director at Naval Sea Systems Command, and internal control program coordinator and quality assurance and property manager at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport.

After retiring from civil service, he worked as NFL regional combine director, Seattle, 2012-14; as a lead engineer for Key Energy Services in Midland, Texas, 2014-16; and as executive director of Gateway Fellowship and Gateway Christian Schools in Poulsbo, 2016-17.

He served on the Kitsap County Public Facilities District Board of Directors, 2012-14.

Shipley is also active in youth sports. He coached baseball at Klahowya Secondary School and North Kitsap High School; and in 2012 managed the Kitsap County All-Stars, host team of the 13-year-old Babe Ruth World Series. He is a commissioner for the Under Armour Under the Lights Flag Football League for boys and girls in grades K-8.