The Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey named Urban Engineers’ Michael J. Gabor, PE, chairman of its board of directors, the organization announced recently.

Vice President of Urban’s Marine Engineering Services Division, Gabor filled the vacancy left by outgoing chairman, John Maier, effective June 2006.

Founded in the mid 1800s, the Institute is a voluntary, ecumenical agency affiliated with the Episcopal Church, whose mission advocates the personal, professional, and spiritual well being of merchant mariners around the world. Through its Center, located in Philadelphia, the Institute promotes safety, dignity, and improved working and living conditions for more than 60,000 men and women serving in the Delaware Valley’s maritime workplace.

A registered, professional engineer, Gabor joined Urban in 1992 after a distinguished career that included 25 years with the J.E. Brenneman Company where he started as a project engineer and became president of the Foundation Division of this former engineering and maritime contracting company.

Gabor, a 1961 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Highway Engineers, Mariners’ Advisory Committee of the Bay & River, Port of Wilmington Maritime Society, and the Society of American Military Engineers. He also serves on the Board of Directors of both the Port of Philadelphia and Camden Maritime Society and the Philadelphia Maritime Academy Charter School, Inc.