National Safe Boating Council Announces Next Executive Director
Rachel Johnson will take the helm in October 2013
Bristow, VA (August 21, 2013) – The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is pleased to announce that Rachel Johnson, CAE has been selected by the NSBC board as the next executive director of the organization, following current Executive Director Virgil Chambers’ announced retirement on September 30, 2013.
“We are honored to have Rachel as our next executive director,” said Joyce Shaw, chair of the National Safe Boating Council. “Her ability to build partnerships and implement innovative programs has been instrumental in
promoting recreational boating safety. We look forward to further growing the organization under her leadership.”
Johnson is currently the Council’s communications director, where she has helped to advance communications and outreach efforts. In this role, she has overseen and grown the North American Safe Boating Campaign (Wear It!), a year-round effort in the U.S. and Canada focused on spreading the message of boating safety and consistent life jacket wear. Prior to serving as communications director, she was outreach manager for the Council. Johnson also sits on multiple boating safety committees and work groups in an effort to increase boating safety efforts throughout the United States. She has also recently earned the title of Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), a credential held by less than five percent of all association executives.
“I have a passion for boating and water safety, and it’s exciting to continue the Council’s mission of safer boating through education, outreach and training,” said Johnson. “I wish Virgil a fun-filled and relaxing retirement. He has made many contributions to the Council and boating community, and I’m honored to have been selected as the next executive director following such an inspirational leader.”
As the executive director, Johnson will serve as the technical content advisor in direct support of the Council’s education, training and outreach programs. She is directly responsible for the planning and development of the national boating safety awareness campaign conducted by the Council and administrated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Johnson will also serve as a representative of the Council to national and international
organizations. She will begin her new role on October 1, 2013.
“Rachel brings enthusiasm and passion to the Council and boating community,” said Chambers. “I am confident she will lead the organization to even greater levels of outreach, education and new partnerships.”
Johnson grew up boating on the Bush River in Maryland and is an avid scuba diver. She graduated from Frostburg State University magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Bachelor of Sciences in Recreation and Parks Management. To read more about Johnson and her accomplishments, visit LinkedIn.com/in/RachelLynnJohnson.
About the National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. The NSBC accomplishes this mission by promoting outreach and research initiatives that support boating education and safety awareness; improving the professional development of boating safety educators through training; and developing and recognizing outstanding
boating safety programs. To learn more about the NSBC and its programs, visit SafeBoatingCouncil.org.