Marine Retailers Association of the Americas names engagement director
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) has appointed Freya Olsen as its new senior director of engagement.
With nearly 20 years of experience within marine industry associations, Olsen has extensive expertise in marketing, membership development, education, industry relations, and programme management. Prior to joining the MRAA, she served as director of industry relations at the National Marine Manufacturers Association, where she played a key role in the Discover Boating initiative, collaborating closely with manufacturers and dealers.
“In MRAA’s continued growth and evolution, adding someone of Freya’s calibre helps us multiply the ways in which we serve our industry and impact the success of our members,” says MRAA President Matt Gruhn. “I believe that her leadership and her presence on an already incredibly strong team will help to elevate MRAA to new heights in all areas of our business.”
In her new role as senior director of engagement, Olsen will develop and implement the MRAA’s membership engagement strategies. She will lead a team of professionals dedicated to increasing participation in MRAA member programmes and services, which are designed to support, serve, and protect businesses within the marine industry.
“I have long admired the work of the MRAA and am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the dealer segment alongside such a talented and passionate team,” says Olsen. “Matt Gruhn and the entire MRAA team inspire me with their unwavering commitment to creating growth opportunities for marine dealers across North America, all while prioritising kindness, integrity, and authenticity in their work and culture.”
Olsen continues: “In this role, I am eager to apply my experience in the marine industry and association management to develop a strategic approach to member engagement. My objective is to meet both potential and current members where they are and help them achieve their business goals through access to the MRAA’s impactful resources and dedicated staff support.”
MRAA’s membership programmes offer bronze, silver, and gold memberships for dealers, providing progressively greater access to the MRAA’s extensive catalogue of online education and dealership certification programme benefits. For partners, MRAA offers standard, platinum, education champion, and strategic partner levels of membership.
Since 2019, the MRAA’s Retail Membership business has experienced growth of over 100 per cent, while Partner Membership has grown by more than 80 per cent.
