MINNEAPOLIS – The Marine Retailers Association of the America announced today Co-Chair officers and six new members for its Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC). The council, exists to elevate the boating industry for both consumers and industry stakeholders through conscientious involvement with the MRAA as young marine professionals. With a fresh perspective, YLAC members are ambassadors who aspire to influence the business, shape future initiatives and evolve into future industry leaders.
YLAC Chair Susan Duquette is President of Lakeview Marine Inc. in Webster, Massachusetts, and, as a Director At Large, represents the council on the MRAA Board of Directors. Michael Morrison, Director of Finance at Port Harbor Marine in South Portland, Maine, is the newly appointed YLAC Co-Chair.
“We have an excellent group of enthusiastic young leaders on board,” says Sarah Korbel, MRAA Events and Operations Manager. “We’re looking forward to connecting YLAC’s mission with MRAA’s recently announced Strategic Plan so we can better serve our membership and industry.”
View MRAA Strategic Plan
New YLAC Members:
- Ashlynn LaLonde Olson, Hutchinson’s Boat Works, Inc.
- Christian Hansen, Idaho Water Sports
- Grace Soucy, One Water
- Heather Mess, Marine Max, Inc.
- Kenda Kennard, Huntington Distribution Finance
- Wendy Ramsey, Pirate Cove Marina Inc.
Returning council members:
- J Hurless, Reeder-Trausch Marine
- Jay Poole, Buckeye Marine
- Krista Sparkes, Smoker Craft, Inc.
- Ryan Kennedy, Morgan Marine
- Sarah Korbel, MRAA
The mission of the YLAC is to supplement and support the mission of the Board of Directors of the MRAA. The council 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 the MRAA.
Interested in joining the council?
Submit your application to be considered during the review period this fall. For any questions, please email sarah@mraa.com.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.