Key Influencers from Multiple Marine Industry Segments Tapped for Safe Boating Collaboration
The Sea Tow Foundation has selected 13 marine industry stakeholders to serve on its newly launched North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council, with the goal to collaborate on current and future boating safety messages including its popular Sober Skipper campaign.
“The Sea Tow Foundation is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the non-profit recreational boating safety community and the for-profit boating industry with the launch of the Sober Skipper Advisory Council,” said Executive Director Gail R. Kulp. “The highly qualified group of individuals that were nominated and subsequently appointed to serve on this inaugural council bring extremely valuable insight and unique perspectives which will help us to strengthen industry messaging, awareness and adoption of boating safety initiatives.”
Members of the inaugural Sea Tow Foundation North American Sober Skipper Advisory Council will serve a two-year term. Appointees in alphabetical order include:
- David Connolly, Partner, TH Connolly & Sons Inc.
- David Dickerson, VP State Government Relations, NMMA
- Jim Emmons, Non-Profit Outreach Grants Director, Water Sports Foundation, Inc.
- Kevin Falvey, Editorial Director, Boating Magazine/Bonnier
- Mike Hankins, Operations Director, Crevalle Boats
- Will Higgins, Public Policy Manager, MRAA
- John Jost, Director of Marine Solutions, Ken Cook Co.
- Captain Keith Lake, Delivery Captain, MarineMax
- Dave Marlow, Director, Product Integrity/Government Affairs, Brunswick Corporation
- Captain Frank Stoeber, Team Development Manager, Regal Boats
- Nic Thomas, Corporate Director of Dock Operations, Freedom Boat Club
- Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior VP Marketing & Communications, RBFF
- Annamarie Worrell, Boat Club & Marketing Manager, Emerald Coast Marine Group
In addition, an executive committee of four will direct and facilitate advisory council efforts including Gail R. Kulp; Michael Wesolowski. Sea Tow Foundation Director of External Relations; Kristen Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow Foundation Board President; and Wanda Kenton Smith, president, Kenton Smith Marketing.
“Our executive committee was extremely pleased by the high level of interest and the positive response when we announced plans a few months ago to establish this council and extended the nationwide call for nominations,” said Kulp. “While our new council membership represents broad segments of the boating industry, everyone involved shares a strong passion for and commitment to boating safety. Our executive committee is very excited to get underway and to collaborate with these industry stakeholders in this important effort.”
About the Sea Tow Foundation Sober Skipper Program
Launched in 2015 and enjoying established partnerships with more than 130 organizations in 32 states, the Sober Skipper program encourages boaters to be or to designate a Sober Skipper before they leave the dock to promote safe, fun boating experiences for all, with the ultimate goal to reduce the number of boating accidents and deaths on North American waterways.To learn more about the Sea Tow Foundation’s North American Sober Skipper program, please visit www.soberskipper.com.
About Sea Tow Foundation
With a focus on safe boating practices that result in fun on the water, the Sea Tow Foundation – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – was established in 2007 by Sea Tow Founder Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer. After his passing in 2015, Captain Joe’s legacy continues as the Foundation brings attention to the number of preventable boating- related accidents, injuries, and deaths, and directly addresses prevention methods through education and awareness. More than 500 life jacket loaner stands are now available across the United States and the Foundation’s Sober Skipper program continues to grow. For more information on the Sea Tow Foundation, please visit BoatingSafety.com.
