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

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

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.

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

Michael Breslin is director of safety and sustainability for the American Waterways Operators (AWO). Breslin’s focus in this role is to advance the safety culture and sustainability of the nation’s 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 Mariner’s Club of New Orleans. americanwaterways.com

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

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

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

Alan is the education program manager at the BoatU.S. 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 BoatU.S. Foundation, Alan oversees the online boating safety course that educates 300,000+ boaters each year. He also manages the BoatU.S. 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

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

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

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

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

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

Heather started boating as a youngster, learning how to water ski from her Uncle Phil who lived in Merritt Island, FL. That uncle was a BoatU.S. member – who shared with Heather his love of boating. Since then, Heather has owned powerboats, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, and sailboats, enjoying them all. She attended the College of Charleston, SC where she received a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences in Business Administration. Heather has worked at BoatU.S. for over 20 years and newly with the Foundation to support the team collectively. She’s 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 them grow into the future. boatus.org

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

Annette Maxemow has more than 10 years of experience as a sales manager in the marine industry, through her time as a sales manager she’s developed a deep understanding of the market and a proven track record of driving sales growth. For the past 1.5 years, Annette has been with Leland Limited, Inc., where she’s leveraged her skills in sales, branding, and eCommerce to expand the rearming kit business for inflatable PFDs. She thrives on new challenges and is always looking for innovative sales strategies to keep us competitive in the industry. maximuminflation.com

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

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

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

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

Steve joined Boat Fix in October 2022 with the vision of helping the boating industry to embrace telematics as an innovative opportunity to bring a much-needed connected boat experience to the recreational marine marketplace. Prior to Boat Fix, Steve spent nearly 10 years in automotive telematics, and other engineering and operational leadership roles throughout his career.  Steve also served in the United States Air Force within the Strategic Air Command. boatfix.com

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

Simon Tusha is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with over two decades of experience in developing and managing data centers, real estate, and sustainability projects around the world. He is the founder of TECfusions, a company that delivers illuminating ideas, processes, and skill sets to provide energy and nourishing infrastructure through architectural, agricultural, and engineering processes to meet the global challenges of sustainability. He is also the co-founder of OCEAN SAVIOURS, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to healing the oceans, saving marine life, and restoring people from addiction. Through three program platforms, OCEAN SAVIOURS removes plastics, nets, and garbage from the ocean, assists in marine conservation and reef protection, and delivers oceanic therapy to those suffering from addiction and moral injury. Simon is passionate about using his expertise and creativity to make a positive difference in the world. primusyachts.com

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