ABYC announces 2025 board members and award recipients at annual meeting
ABYC’s board of directors for 2025.
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced its 2025 board of directors and recognised key contributors to the marine industry during its annual meeting held on 6 January in San Antonio, Texas.
Updates on organisational initiatives were shared by ABYC board chair Jeff Wasil and president John Adey. Both Wasil and Adey expressed appreciation for the efforts of the many volunteers who contribute to boating safety advancements.
The 2025 board of directors includes new member Paulee Day, chief administrative officer and corporate secretary of West Marine. “As a lifelong boater who has devoted most of my career to the boating industry, I am particularly appreciative of ABYC’s accomplishments in promoting boating safety,” says Day. “I’m thrilled to bring my skills and knowledge to support the mission of ensuring safe and enjoyable boating for all.”
Jeff Wasil introduced the newly elected officers and directors-at-large, with Christina Paul of K&L Gates assuming the role of chair. The officers for 2025 are:
- Christina Paul, chair.
- Cindy Squires, vice chair.
- Pete Chisholm, technical chair.
- Derek Rhymes, treasurer.
- Jeff Wasil, past chair.
The meeting also marked the commencement of ABYC Standards Week, a gathering of industry experts to review and update safety standards for the design, construction and repair of recreational boats.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony highlighting contributions to recreational boating safety and the marine industry.
Anne Dunbar of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) received the Horizon Award, presented by John Adey, in recognition of her career achievements and support for ABYC’s mission. “We celebrate Anne’s remarkable impact on our industry and her pivotal role in advancing ABYC’s work,” says Adey. “Her leadership with IBEX has been essential to spreading ABYC’s boating safety message. No one has done more to foster ABYC and U.S. Coast Guard involvement than Anne, and her dedication has strengthened our organisation’s credibility and growth.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Dave Marlow, Brunswick’s senior director of product integrity, to Pete Chisholm of Mercury Marine. The award recognises members for their long-standing service to the marine industry and their efforts to enhance recreational boating safety.
“Pete’s name is synonymous with excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the marine industry,” says Marlow. “His decades-long career at Mercury Marine exemplifies dedication to advancing marine technology and safety standards. His work with ABYC, ISO, NASBLA, and NBSAC has undoubtedly saved lives and made boating safer and more enjoyable.”
Leave a Reply