NMMA announces executive team changes

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has announced changes to its executive team, including new responsibilities for several senior leaders and the transition of operational reporting to its Washington, DC headquarters.

The changes follow the establishment of the Washington, DC headquarters in 2023.

“These changes enhance our executive leadership presence in Washington and position NMMA to deliver on the clear priorities established by our Board,” says Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of NMMA. “At a time of unprecedented and complex change, elevating our reputation in Washington, DC has never been more important.”

As part of the changes, Chase Warden has been named chief operating officer and chief financial officer. His responsibilities now cover NMMA operations, technology, accounting, legal and finance, including NMMA Canada. Operational reporting will be based at the Washington, DC headquarters.

Marie-France MacKinnon, based in Ottawa, will continue as executive director of NMMA Canada, where she will oversee the association’s work on behalf of Canada’s recreational boating industry.

Robert Newsome has been named senior vice president and chief growth officer. His responsibilities include membership, business intelligence, sponsorship, NMMA Certification, acquisitions and industry coalitions and partnerships. The new role will also move to Washington, DC.

Jennifer Thompson has been named senior vice president of events. She will lead NMMA’s consumer and industry events, including their development and expansion into new markets.

Tempe Stephen has been named chief of staff, with responsibility for strategic initiatives, execution across the leadership team, NMMA’s presence in Washington, DC and governance.

Beth Luther has been promoted to senior vice president of people and culture, reporting directly to the president. She will oversee the association’s work on talent and organisational capabilities, including its human resources activities.

Robyn Boerstling, senior vice president of government relations and chief advocacy officer, and Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of marketing and communications and chief brand officer, will remain in their current positions.

The changes increase NMMA’s senior leadership presence in Washington, DC, where the association says federal policy, trade and regulatory decisions are having a growing effect on US marine manufacturing and recreational boating.

“The marine industry builds for the environment it operates in and does not wait for prevailing conditions”, says Hugelmeyer. “Expanding our headquarters and leadership team presence in Washington, DC positions NMMA to more effectively advance the industry’s advocacy, self-regulation, and market expansion priorities across the US, Canada and internationally.”