MRAA Announces New Officers for Young Leaders Advisory Council

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas announced co-chair officers and six new members for the Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC). As young marine professionals working within the recreational boating industry, council members help to further the industry for business stakeholders and consumers. Along with possessing ambitious leadership and industry awareness, YLAC ambassadors influence future programs and shape marine business.

YLAC Chair Susan Duquette, president of Lakeview Marine, Inc., in Webster, Massachusetts, maintains her role as chair, representing the council on the MRAA Board of Directors. Joining YLAC last year, Wendy Ramsey, general manager at Pirate Cove Marine Inc. / owner of RBK Distribution Inc., in Ontario, Kemptville, Canada, returns in 2024 as Co-Chair.

New YLAC Members:

• · James Cimino, owner, Sierra Hills Mobile Marine, Auburn, California
• · Justin Dysert, lead sales consultant, Taylor’s South Shore Marina, Waynesville, Ohio
• · Will Monson, general sales manager, Moose Landing Marina, Naples, Maine
• · Braden Panasiuk, general manager, Gibbons Motor Toys, Salmon Arm, B.C., Canada
• · Briley Phillips, sales associate, Phil Dill Boats, Lewisville, Texas
• · Zack Ryden, controller, Ryden Marine & Minocqua Yamaha, Minocqua, Wisconsin
• · Jon Stovall, general sales manager, Ocean Blue Yacht Sales, Stuart, Florida
• Returning YLAC Members:
• · Christian Hansen, general manager, Idaho Water Sports, Idaho Falls, Idaho
• · J Hurless, Owner, Reeder-Trausch Marine, Rockville, Ind.
• · Kenda Kennard, business development representative, Huntington Distribution Finance (Industry Representative), Schaumburg, Ill.
• · Ashlynn LaLonde Olson, vice president, Hutchinson’s Boat Works, Inc., Alexandria Bay, New York
• · Heather Mess, national marina manager, MarineMax, Inc., Clearwater, Florida
• · Krista Sparkes, regional director, Smoker Craft, Inc. (Industry Representative), New Paris, Indiana
• · Sarah Korbel, events and operations manager, MRAA, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The mission of the YLAC is to supplement and support the mission of the board of directors of the MRAA. YLAC provides guidance as to the current state of the marine retailers’ day-to-day operations, both in challenges and opportunities. YLAC strives to set the example in identifying, inspiring, recruiting, and onboarding key younger generation members to participate in the association, facilitating the future growth and success of MRAA.