ABYC Announced New Board and Award Winners

At its annual meeting in Seattle, Washington, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced the election of new members to its board of directors and held an awards presentation to recognize ABYC members who have provided exceptional service to the marine industry.

Joining the board of directors is Derek Rhymes from All Boats Marine Surveys and Lia Jaros from the Marine Trades Association of Maryland. Joining the executive board in the position of secretary is Christina Paul from K&L Gates. Elected officers to the board of directors include: · Ward Eshleman, Ward’s Marine Electric Inc., chair; Nancy Cueroni, National Marine Distributors Association, vice chair; Jeff Wasil, BRP, treasurer; Pete Chisholm, Mercury Marine, technical chair; and Kenneth Weinbrecht, Ocean-Bay Maine Services, immediate past-chair.

The ABYC Lifetime Service Award was given to William Drake and Arthur J. “Bret” Bretnall, Jr. for lifelong service to the marine industry and profound contributions to boating safety and the advancement of recreational boating. The ABYC Service Award was given to Richard Kolb and Denzil Hellesen for conspicuous service through active participation on committees and boards that materially benefit the goals of ABYC. The ABYC Horizon Award was given to Thomas Marhevko in recognition of consistent and conspicuous contributions to the future success and growth of ABYC and the recreational marine industry. The Bolling Fortson Douglas Memorial Award was presented to Belinda Emerson. This award  recognizes a female ABYC member who best exemplifies dedication to the marine industry with the advancement of safety, education and standards in recreational boating.