Manassas, VA (September 27, 2021): The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), a national catalyst for recreational boating safety, is pleased to announce the board of directors for 2021-2022. The NSBC membership accepted the board’s vote for the following officers at the General Membership Meeting, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in conjunction with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrator’s Annual Conference.
Chair: Robert Newsome, National Marine Manufacturers Association
Immediate Past Chair: Stu Gilfillen, US Sailing
Vice Chair: Alan Dennison, BoatU.S. Foundation
Treasurer: Elena Yearly, EMY Consulting
Secretary: Lisa Dugan, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Member-At-Large: Grant Brown, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Member-At-Large: Stephanie Hussey, Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
Member-At-Large: Kate Neubauer, Neubauer Consulting
Per the bylaws, the NSBC Chair may appoint a member-at-large. Robert Newsome appointed David Broadbent, director of education at American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), in October 2021.
“We have before us a noble cause which we will further progress through a loyal board of directors, an engaged membership, strong partners, a dedicated executive director, and an exceptional staff,” said Robert Newsome, NSBC’s newly elected board chair. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve all of you as the new chair of the NSBC, and boaters worldwide, as we work together to develop a safe boating culture.”
Newsome was recently named one of three finalists for Boating Industry’s 2021 Movers & Shakers awards, recognizing innovative leaders and trailblazers in the recreational boating industry who embrace the challenge of change.
The NSBC fosters a boating safety culture by uniting the boating community, building alliances, providing resources, empowering our partners, and influencing and strengthening programming and messaging to recreational boaters. The board and staff will implement the NSBC’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, which supports the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Recreational Boating Safety Program in their mission to ensure the public has a safe, secure, and enjoyable recreational boating experience.
“I am excited to partner alongside Robert, Stu, Alan, Elena, Lisa, Grant, Stephanie, and Kate,” said Peg Phillips, NSBC executive director. “Each of them brings deep community knowledge, a passion for recreational boating safety and the desire to envision an ambitious future for the National Safe Boating Council.”
About the National Safe Boating Council
Established in 1958, the National Safe Boating Council is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education, outreach, and training. For more information about NSBC programs and professional development opportunities, visit www.safeboatingcouncil.org.