Meet the Speakers

National Executive Director | Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary
Shari Affleck

The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) (National) Inc. appointed Shari Affleck as national executive director in June 2022 to oversee the national administration, programs, and strategic plan of this highly respected volunteer water rescue and maritime safety organization. The CCGA national office supports six regional auxiliaries comprised of more than 4,200 volunteers who deliver maritime response on all three coasts, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. With more than 28 years of regulatory, safety, and enforcement experience from provincial and federal governments, Shari has spent the last 11 years leading regional and national programs. She previously served as the national manager, safety for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) fleet, followed by her roles as chief, program operational readiness (Maritimes), and senior advisor roles to the regional director, fisheries management, and to the director general, conservation and protection, fisheries and oceans Canada. ccga-gcac.ca

Executive Director | Chapman School of Seamanship
Jim Allen

Jim Allen, executive director of the Chapman School of Seamanship, is a distinguished maritime leader with over three decades of service in the United States Coast Guard. Growing up in Seminole, Florida, Allen began his career in 1986, serving on eight ships and spending nearly 20 years at sea. Retiring in 2017 as a chief warrant officer 4, he transitioned into maritime education. Since joining Chapman in 2018 as program coordinator, Allen has advanced through roles as director of academics and COO, implementing significant operational improvements and launching programs such as the Yamaha Technician Certification. On January 1, 2024, he assumed the role of executive director. Under Allen’s leadership, Chapman serves over 950 students annually, including nearly 250 youth in its summer program for ages 11 to 17. Collaborating with partners like the National Safe Boating Council, he continues to expand Chapman’s mission of preparing future seafarers for 21st-century maritime challenges. chapman.org

Program Supervisor | Junior Sailing Program
Brad Baker

A sailing and boating professional, Brad has over 50 years on and off the water in a wide range of boating activities. He is the program supervisor at the Junior Sailing Program at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC, and has been the head sailing instructor at both ETYSA and Carolina Mainsheet School of Sailing. He is a U.S. Sailing Level 3 Instructor, STEM-certified, U.S. Coast Guard-approved instructor for OUPV and sailing endorsement, and completed the International Offshore Safety at Sea course. He is the head boating trainer at Freedom Boat Club and holds a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard Masters License with towing and sailing endorsements. Brad is also a National Safe Boating Council Instructor.

SEI Department Director | American Canoe Association
Kelsey Bracewell

After building her love of the outdoors in the mountains of northern Georgia, Kelsey graduated from Brevard College with a dual undergraduate degree in wilderness leadership and experiential education and psychology. She later graduated with a Master’s Degree of Science in Recreation and Sport Pedagogy from Ohio University and applies her background to the American Canoe Association (ACA) as the director of education, insurance, and membership. She completed her Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA and has since been able to apply all she has learned to create and manage multiple paddling engagement and safety initiatives. Using the latest technologies, marketing platforms, and her genuine love for and connection to the paddling community, Kelsey has made a lasting impact on the greater safe boating education and outreach efforts of the ACA, their partners, and other like-minded organizations. americancanoe.org

Senior Director – Safety and Sustainability | American Waterways Operators
Michael Breslin

Michael Breslin is director of safety and sustainability for the American Waterways Operators (AWO). Breslins focus in this role is to advance the safety culture and sustainability of the nations tugboat, towboat, and barge industry. Breslin served in the Louisiana Army National Guard prior to joining the maritime industry in 2009 as a deckhand for New Orleans-based Turn Services LLC. Working his way up from the deck with Turn Services, Breslin held positions in logistics, safety and compliance management, and port captain before joining AWO in December of 2021. Breslin is a proud father and husband. He is a graduate of the University of New Orleans, holds a captain’s license, and is active in ADMIRALTY Club, the New Orleans Propellor Club, and the Mariners Club of New Orleans. americanwaterways.com

Boating Safety Consultant and NSBC Instructor Trainer | National Safe Boating Council
Virgil Chambers

Virgil received his Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) in 2024, after procrastinating for years. He is the current program co-manager and team developer (with Pamela Dillon) of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) Inland Boat Operation and Marine Patrol Fundamentals Train the Trainer program. During his leadership as executive director of the National Safe Boating Council (1996-2013), he instituted the Wear It campaign, the NSBC Boat Control On-water Training course, and was a founding member of the International Boating and Water Safety Summit (IBWSS). He was named NSBC Director-Emeritus upon retirement. Prior to his tenure with the NSBC, he retired from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in 1995 as chief of boating safety. While there, he developed Pennsylvania’s public-school boating and water safety program, and the Pennsylvania Water Rescue program, one of the first recognized water rescue training programs for fire and rescue service personnel in the country. Virgil is the recipient of over 50 prestigious awards from state, national, and international organizations. He is honored in Pennsylvania’s Swimming Hall of Fame, the NSBC Boating Safety Hall of Fame, and the Personal Watercraft Hall of Fame. He is also a recipient of the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Medal for his contributions to the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) program. While in the U.S. Navy, he served aboard a patrol craft in the Rivers of Vietnam where he was decorated for his actions in combat situations. He also served in the Army National Guard as an air-traffic controller. Chambers lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Pamela Dillon. safeboatingcouncil.org

Product to Market Coordinator | Mustang Survival
Lili Colby

Lili Colby is the former co-owner of MTI Life Jackets. She and her husband, Gordon Colby, sold MTI to Mustang Survival in 2020, and she continues her role as a “PFDiva” as Mustang Survival’s industry and nonprofit relations specialist. A former board member of the American Canoe Association, Lili serves on the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) Paddlesports committee, the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety’s PFD Advisory Board, and is the first American to serve on the board of directors of the Canadian Safe Boating Council. She is also a founding member and past interim chair of the new Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC). mustangsurvival.com

Chair | Canadian Safe Boating Council
Mike Dean

Mike has been an active member of the Canadian Safe Boating Council since 2015, supporting the mission to bring a collective voice to safety and awareness. He was appointed chair in 2023. He’s a former safe boating instructor and avid boater with over 40 years of experience on all types of water. From bass boats to Jet Skis, wakeboards to standup paddleboards, Mike knows his way around watercraft, both personally and as an industry professional. In his role as chair of the Canadian Safe Boating Council, Mike is dedicated to promoting safe boating practices and advocating for a culture of preparedness and responsibility on the water. With his leadership and the support of the council’s members and many volunteers, he aims to make a positive impact on boating safety nationwide. csbc.ca

Education Program Manager | BoatU.S. Foundation
Alan Dennison

Alan is the education program manager at the BoatUS Foundation and serves as the chairman of the board of directors for the National Safe Boating Council. He also serves on the National Association of State Boating Law Administrator’s Education and Outreach committee. With decades of recreational boating experience, Alan is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain and National Safe Boating Council Instructor. In his role with BoatUS Foundation, Alan oversees the online boating safety course that educates 300,000+ boaters each year. He also manages the BoatUS On-Water training program that brought hands-on skills training to 23 locations nationally. Through these roles, Alan helped to develop the U.S. National On-Water Standard for powerboat skills training. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. In his free time, Alan likes to go boating and fishing with his family near Annapolis, MD, where he resides. boatus.org

Co-Founder and CEO | At the Helm Training
Captain John Dial

Captain John Dial is the co-founder and CEO of At the Helm Training. John’s journey began as a mate on a yacht, evolving into a seasoned professional with eight issues of U.S. Coast Guard Master Licenses, with the first one granted in 1980. His extensive experience encompasses yachts and sport fishing boats ranging from 70 to 120 feet. Throughout his career, John has immersed himself in nearly every facet of the industry. He founded “A Yacht Management Co”, overseeing larger yacht operations, ventured into yacht brokerage with “Lima Yacht Sales,” and established “Broadbill Enterprises,” a service-oriented company dedicated to yacht projects. With a wealth of diverse experiences spanning four decades, John identified a critical need for At the Helm Training. atthehelmtraining.com

Certified Association Executive | Paddlesports Trade Coalition
Pam Dillon

Pamela Dillon is a certified association executive currently serving as Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC) staff under a service agreement with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Dillon previously staffed the National Boating Education Standards Panel and the NASBLA Education committee. She co-authored the third edition of “The Guide for Multiple Use Waterway Management.” With her husband, Virgil Chambers, she is program co-manager of the Inland Boat Operation and Marine Patrol Fundamentals Train-the-Trainer course and Methods of Instructor course under the NASBLA Boat Operation and Training (BOAT) program. Dillon served as boating law administrator for the state of Ohio, retiring as chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft in 2011. Dillon served as executive director of the American Canoe Association from 2002-2007, and is a recipient of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Distinguished Public Service Award. paddlesportstradecoalition.org

 

President | Bridge Marina Inc.
Ray Fernandez
Coming soon. bridgemarina.com
Captain | American Waterways Operators
Captain David Foret Jr.
With over 45 years of experience in the towing vessel industry, Captain David A Foret, Jr. has built an impressive career marked by leadership, regulatory expertise, and a commitment to safety and compliance. He holds a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), is endorsed as Master of Towing Vessels, Tankerman-PIC (Barge) Dangerous Liquids, and Liquefied Gas Cargoes (10th issue). In addition, he is a Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB) Certified Lead Auditor, a certified Subchapter M Surveyor for both Annual Surveys and Drydock Internal Structural Examinations (DD/ISE), and a designated examiner for the TVIB DD/ISE certification program. His expertise extends to ISO 9000 Lead Auditing and Crew Endurance Management Systems (CEMS), for which he is U.S. Coast Guard-certified. In 1999, he founded the ACTion group, a regulatory compliance and training firm dedicated to improving safety and operational standards in the maritime industry. He has played a crucial role in shaping industry regulations, serving on the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Harris County Ports Pilot Board Investigation Review Committee (PBIRC) for two decades, representing the brownwater towing vessel community, and was appointed Chairman in 2020. He also previously chaired the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee and has led its Navigation Operations Subcommittee for many years. A founding member of TVIB – an approved U.S. Coast Guard Third Party Organization (TPO) for Subchapter M compliance, he has served as past president of the board of directors. Additionally, he co-founded Quality Auditing, LC, and co-authored the U.S. Coast Guard Accepted Marine Internal Lead Auditor (MILA) course, which satisfies the requirements of 46 CFR 138.310(d)(2). americanwaterways.com

 

Retired Professor | University of Manitoba
Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht
Gordon Giesbrecht, Ph.D. is a retired professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba where he studied human responses to exercise/work in extreme environments from 1991-2024. Gordon has 120+ refereed publications on thermal stress in humans and vehicle submersion fatalities and survival. He has helped create educational programs for drowning prevention and treatment, such as Cold Water Boot Camp, Baby It’s Cold Outside, and written protocols used by emergency response operators around the world. umanitoba.ca

 

Chief | Boating Safety Division at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters
Verne Gifford

Verne Gifford has been the chief of the boating safety division at the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters since September 2017. He is responsible for the administration and coordination of all functions of the National Recreational Boating Safety (NRBS) program whose mission is to minimize the loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and environmental impact from recreational vessel use, while optimizing safety and waterways enjoyment by the American public. These program functions include managing a $110 million grant program, developing the NRBS strategic plan, serving as the designated federal official to the National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC), administering the casualty reporting system for recreational vessels, developing standards for recreational boat and equipment manufactures, administering the boat manufacturer compliance program, publishing boating safety circulars, maintaining the notification (recall) process concerning defects; and administering the NRBS education, state law enforcement, and undocumented vessel numbering programs. uscgboating.org

Chief Ranger – Hartwell Lake Office | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Tanya Grant
Tanya Grant is chief ranger of the recreation section at Hartwell Lake in Hartwell, GA. Hartwell Lake has over 8 million visitors per year and is the second most visited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake in the country. The 56,000 acre is lake located in both Georgia and South Carolina and in six counties. Ranger Grant has worked at Hartwell Lake in a variety of ranger positions since 1992. As chief ranger for the last five years, Ranger Grant oversees programs such as campground operations, visitor assistance, day use area management, water safety, special events, and volunteer program management. Prior to working at Hartwell Lake, Ranger Grant worked for the Corps of Engineers at the Cape Cod Canal and as a seasonal park ranger for the National Park Service. Ranger Grant earned a bachelor of science degree in  natural resources with a major in parks and recreation administration from Ohio State University. In her spare time, Ranger Grant enjoys photography, martial arts, and a variety of outdoor activities. usace.army.mil

 

CEO and Executive Director | National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
Tom Guess
Coming soon.

 

Program Director| Chapman School of Seamanship
John Haggerty

John Haggerty is a seasoned maritime professional with over 30 years of on-water experience and a passion for enhancing boater safety through innovative training and education. Currently serving as the program director for Chapman School of Seamanship, John brings a unique blend of practical maritime expertise and dynamic leadership to his role. Before joining Chapman, John served as the national director of sales and business development for At The Helm Training, where he honed a communication style that remains calm and effective even in high-pressure situations. His prior experience in training neurosurgeons and medical staff on the precise use of specialized equipment has uniquely prepared him for the demands of maritime instruction, ensuring that critical safety information is conveyed clearly and efficiently. John’s commitment to collaboration within the maritime industry is evident in his work with various industry partners. He believes that a culture of shared knowledge and mutual support is essential for advancing boater safety and preparing students for successful, well-paying careers in the maritime sector. Among his many credentials, John is a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain (master), a licensed yacht broker, and a National Safe Boating Council Instructor Trainer. His diverse background and comprehensive expertise make him a respected leader in maritime education and a driving force behind safer, more effective training practices on the water. chapman.org

Founder | Spectrum Sailing
Scott Herman

As a sailor for over 25 years, Scott Herman truly enjoys his time on the water. Whether it’s a sunset cruise, or the Chicago to Mackinac race, he loves sailing. He has also dedicated his life to ensuring everyone gets that same chance to sail. When his son, Daniel, was excluded from a summer sailing camp because of his autism, he decided to start the first local autism sailing camp. That local camp proved successful and evolved into Spectrum Sailing (501c3). Spectrum Sailing is the only National Autism Sailing program. In 2024 Spectrum Sailing ran 10 FREE camps across the country, giving over 200 autistic kids the life changing experience of sailing camp. Scott is lucky enough to have lived in Charleston, SC twice. He is blessed with two amazing boys, an awesome wife, and a belly rub-loving dog, Mona. When not running camps, he can often be found at the beach, on the powerboat, or enjoying the occasional sail in Charleston Harbor. spectrumsailing.org

Owner| How To Boating
Capt. Harley Hunt

Captain Harley is the owner of How To Boating. In January 2024, he had a vision to teach people boating tips and how-to’s on social media. His time spent working on sailboats, government research vessels, fishing/crabbing vessels, SCUBA diving vessels, and high-end luxury yacht charters has given him the opportunity to learn how different vessels are run, both as crew and as a captain. This experience, paired with a background in leadership roles, allows Harley to effectively capture attention through his unique teaching style both on social media and in hands-on instruction. In just over a year, Harley has captured 100 million views across all social media channels by teaching boating safety, how to dock boats, boating rules, and much more. His goal is to share that knowledge with everyone who wants to learn the how-to’s of the industry. howtoboating.com

Co-Founder| BoatBot
Capt. David Johndrow

Capt. David Johndrow, a U.S. Coast Guard Captain and Auxiliary member, isn’t just a seasoned entrepreneur—he’s a disruptor. He’s built a career on reimagining traditional business models, leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive explosive growth. He turned Staffmark from a $100M company into a $720 million national force and pioneered the first “totally paperless” HR solution with HRLogix. Now, he’s bridging the gap between boater safety classroom training and real-world application with BoatBot. This AI-powered “virtual pocket captain” delivers instant, expert guidance, ensuring boaters retain crucial knowledge and enhancing safety on every voyage. www.boatbot.ai

Co-Founder| BoatBot
Maryann Johndrow

Maryann Johndrow is an entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the human resources and boating industries. In 2003, she founded HRLogix, a platform that automated the hiring process for hourly workers, which transformed the way casinos worldwide hired their staff. Currently, Maryann is the visionary behind BoatBot, an AI-powered platform designed to revolutionize the boating industry by streamlining communication and automating world-class service, making boat ownership and maintenance more accessible and enjoyable. www.boatbot.ai

President | BoatU.S. Foundation
Heather Lougheed

I started boating as a youngster, learning how to waterski from my Uncle Phil who lived in Merritt Island, FL. That uncle was a BoatUS member – who shared with me his love of boating. Since then I’ve owned powerboats, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and sailboats, enjoying them all. I attended the College of Charleston, SC where I received a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences in Business Administration. I have worked at BoatUS for over 20 years and newly with the Foundation to support the team collectively. I’m excited to help the Foundation continue to offer innovative and impactful boating safety and clean water programs that resonate with boaters, address important needs, and help us grow into the future. boatus.org

Director of Business Development | Boat History Report
Caroline Mantel

Caroline Mantel is the director of business development for Boat History Report. Through this role, she works with marine surveyors, manufacturers, insurance and finance, law enforcement, and other marine industry businesses to help with HIN related issues, uncover previous loss history, and verify boat details through the use of registration and titling data. As vice chair for the NASBLA Vessel Identification, Registration, and Titling (VIRT) Committee, Caroline works closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and states registration and title agents on all HIN-related policies and concerns as well as UCOTVA. She also serves on the board for both the International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI), the National Marine Lenders Association (NMLA), and is a member of the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee (NBSAC). boathistoryreport.com

Boating Law Administrator | Alaska Office of Boating Safety
Joe McCullough

Joe moved to Alaska in 1992 after falling in love with the ocean and the mountains. He has worked for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources for 32 years, starting out as a volunteer in Kachemak Bay State Park. Joe also worked as a park ranger in Anchor Point and on the Kenai River. He was hired as the education coordinator for the Alaska Boating Safety Program in 2002; he was promoted to boating law administrator in 2019. Joe loves teaching and is a nationally certified boating safety instructor, NSBC Instructor Trainer and an Alaska Police Standards Council Instructor. He has served on several National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Committees: Education (vice-chair in 2005 and 2006), Law Enforcement, Engineering, Reporting and Analysis and Finance and Grants (chair in 2020). He currently serves on NASBLA’s Board of Directors (serving two terms as vice-chair and one as treasurer. Joe was the recipient of the NASBLA Boating Safety Award in 2006 and NASBLA’s Educator of the Year Award in 2012. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating

Chief Administrative Officer | National Marine Manufacturers Association
Robert Newsome

Robert Newsome is the chief administrative officer and senior vice president of operations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), responsible for overall organizational operations, strategic alignment, membership, member engagement, industry relations, technology, corporate governance, workforce development, boating safety, the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program, and product certification (NMMA Certified) programs for boats, yachts, PWC, marine oils, and boat trailers. Robert also serves as president of the NMMA Foundation for Recreational Boating Safety and Education. Robert is the past chairperson of the National Safe Boating Council and serves on the board of directors of the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA). Robert is also the chairperson of the Marine Industry Retirement Plan Committee and sits on the National Safe Boating Advisory Committee (NBSAC) by appointment of the secretary of homeland security.  He has extensive experience in representing the marine industry in standards development and safety issues through numerous committees of ABYC, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Robert is a leading author and presenter on numerous industry, economic, boating experience, and safety topics prevalent to today’s recreational marine industry, and serves as a spokesperson for the Discover Boating program. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. He continues his education on operational and technology strategic excellence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Robert is an avid powerboater, fisherman, and a lifelong sailor on Lake Michigan and the lakes of the Midwest. nmma.org

Executive Director | National Safe Boating Council
Peg Phillips

NSBC Executive Director, Peg Phillips, is an experienced executive, boating instructor trainer, Certified Recreational Boating Professional, and U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain. She is a certified American Canoe Association L2 Kayak Instructor, SUP Instructor, and NSBC Instructor Trainer. Phillips has received awards for her outstanding boating instruction including the American Canoe Association President’s Award and American Canoe Association State Director of the Year. With two decades of senior executive management experience, Phillips is accomplished in strategic planning, staff development, inspiring commitment, managing change, and building coalitions and partnerships. She has successfully provided guidance for over two dozen federally grant-funded programs since she joined the NSBC in 2018. Phillips serves on the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee, the National Boating Standards Panel, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Association Board of Directors. She is a persuasive and enthusiastic leader with a passion for challenging people to think and work creatively. safeboatingcouncil.org

Director of Marketing | Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation
Rachel Piacenza

Rachel Piacenza is the senior director, consumer marketing and communications at the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), with 15 years’ experience driving marketing initiatives among consumers and state fish and wildlife stakeholders. Overseeing national consumer brand strategies through RBFF’s Take Me Fishing™ marketing and advertising campaign, she has spent her entire career inspiring others to enjoy the benefits of fishing and boating while conserving our aquatic and natural resources. Formerly in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Management Division, Rachel led statewide aquatic recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts and youth education programs. She holds a degree in business marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a mini-MBA from Rutgers University, and an executive leadership certification from Cornell University. An avid angler and longtime youth sports coach, Rachel balances her professional expertise with active engagement. takemefishing.org

CEO | Boat Fix
Steve Pitsos

Coming soon. boatfix.com

Boat Boss | FB Marine Group
Kim Sweers

Kim is owner and operator at FB Marine Group, a Boating Industry Top 100 dealer in south Florida. She led the growth from a $3 million sales brokerage firm to a dealership operation generating $30 million offering sales, brokerage, charter, financing, parts/service, storage, paint, and fiberglass repair. She is also host of the Boat Boss podcast, which interviews some of the top players in the business, sports, and entertainment worlds. Listen to Boat Boss to learn more about safely living, working, and playing on the water. fbmarinegroup.com

 

 

Executive Director | Paddlesports Trade Coalition
Jeff Turner

With a lifetime playing in the outdoors, and a career working for many leading apparel and gear brands in the outdoor industry, Jeff spent the last 13 years leading the sales, marketing, and product development teams at Kokatat, located in Arcata, CA. A founding member of the Paddlesports Trade Coalition (PTC), Jeff served in a volunteer capacity as interim executive director through the coalition launch year. He was recently hired by the Paddlesports Trade Coalition Board of Directors as full-time executive director and will continue to build this important nonprofit association for the North American paddlesports industry. paddlesportstradecoalition.org

Sea Angel’s Brazil Institute
Marcelo Ulyssea

Coming soon.

Marine Biologist | Carter Viss Foundation
Carter Viss
Carter Viss is a marine biologist from Jupiter, FL. After working many years as an aquarist at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, he is now working in aquaculture research and pursuing a Ph.D. in marine science. Carter’s life was changed forever on Thanksgiving Day of 2019. While snorkeling on the Breaker’s Reef off Palm Beach Island, he was struck by a large boat. He lost his right arm on impact, both of his legs were severely lacerated, and his left wrist was badly broken. After making a full recovery, he founded his own 501(c)3 nonprofit called the Carter Viss Foundation whose mission is to support individuals with limb trauma resulting from boating incidents and to promote safe boating and diving practices. cartervissfoundation.org
Producer and Creative Director | National Safe Boating Council
Ken Waldron

NSBC Producer and Creative Director, Ken Waldron, has 30 years of experience leading creative, branding, and marketing strategy for national brands. He creates compelling marketing materials for the NSBC’s outreach and training program. Prior to joining the NSBC full-time in 2021, Waldron worked for nearly 14 years as a contractor, producing PSA’s, training videos, print ads, and collateral materials for a variety of NSBC programs and campaigns. He has worked on national campaigns with brands such as Barbasol Brands, White Castle, and The Ohio State University Medical Center. safeboatingcouncil.org

Program Manager | National Safe Boating Council
Alexis Webb

NSBC Program Manager, Alexis Webb, is excited to be joining the #IBWSS25 program. She is also the Worship Director at Discovery Fellowship Church in Fort Collins, CO, and enjoys kayaking, family, and encouraging and equipping others to live life “on purpose.” safeboatingcouncil.org

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