Young Leaders Advisory Council

The MRAA Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC) exists to elevate the boating industry for both consumers and 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.

Apply or Nominate

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Susan Duquette
Chair

Lakeview Marine
President
Webster, MA
508-461-6020

Michael Morrison
Co-Chair

Port Harbor Marine
Director of Finance
South Portland, ME
207-767-3254

Christian Hansen

Idaho Water Sports
General Manager
Idaho Falls, ID
208-219-1371

J Hurless

Reeder-Trausch Marine
Owner
Rockville, IN
765-344-1771

Kenda Kennard

Industry Representative
Huntington Distribution Finance
Business Development Representative
Shaumburg, IL
231-920-9355

Ryan Kennedy

Morgan Marine
VP/Partner
Penn Yan, NY
315-536-8166

Ashlynn LaLonde Olson

Hutchinson’s Boat Works, Inc.
Vice President
Alexandria Bay, NY
315-482-9931

Heather Mess

MarineMax, Inc.
National Marine Manager
Clearwater, FL
941-388-4411

Wendy Ramsey

Pirate Cove Marine Inc. / RBK Distribution Inc.
Owner
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada
613-229-6862

Krista Sparkes

Industry Representative
SmokerCraft Inc.
Director – NorthEast US, Mid Atlantic US, SouthEast US, MidSouth US, Midwest East US & Canada
New Paris, IN
819-572-5771

Sarah Korbel

MRAA
Events & Operations Manager
Minneapolis, MN
763-333-2418

YLAC Mission

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.

View YLAC Eligibility & Council Expectations

YLAC Downloadable Resources

Download “Why Join MRAA” Flyer

Incentives and Discounts Flyer – Coming soon!

Training with MRAA Flyer – Coming soon!

Nomination and Application Form

YLAC exists to elevate the boating industry for both consumers and stakeholders through conscientious involvement with the MRAA as young marine professionals. Apply or nominate someone below. Please note the review period for applications takes place in the fall. All applicants will receive a confirmation email upon completing this form, as well as their status of acceptance after the review period. If you have any questions please email sarah@mraa.com.

Your Name(Required)

First Last

Your Dealership Name (Or organization)(Required)

Email(Required)

Direct phone(Required)

Are you applying yourself of nominating someone else?(Required)

Applying myself

Nominating someone else

Dealership Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Website(Required)

Job Title(Required)

Birthdate(Required)

Month date, year

How many years have you worked in the boating industry?(Required)

What is your role in product or service purchasing for your dealership or department?(Required)

I am the sole decision maker

I share the decision making responsibility with others in my organization or department

I influence decision making

I play no part in decision making

What tier does your role fall under?(Required)

President, Owner, CEO, CFO

Director, Manager

Other Dealership/Industry Team Member

Please describe your leadership experience.(Required)

(does not have to be within the industry)

What are your motivations to become a member of YLAC?(Required)

What kind of leadership role would you like to have in your dealership and with MRAA moving forward?(Required)

Do you agree to commit to the YLAC expectations of(Required)

If accepted, I commit the the council expectations.

• Represent and advocate for young people in the boating industry, not just the needs of your dealership.
• Be an MRAA Ambassador- Know MRAA mission, products, programming, participate in surveys, attend Dealer Week and the networking events.
• Attend MRAA Strategic Planning sessions if selected to represent YLAC in April. Give a report afterwards to the rest of the council.
• Attend and represent YLAC at Dealer Week.
• Serve a 3 year term.
• Attend monthly digital meetings or calls.
• Submit a nominations for potential new YLAC members during call for applications.
• Meet monthly for one hour

Nominee Name(Required)

First Last

Dealership/Organization website(Required)

Nominee Dealership/Organization(Required)

Nominee Job Title(Required)

Nominee Phone(Required)

Nominee Email(Required)

10. Have you confirmed if they are interested already?(Required)

Yes

11. May we tell the nominee that you nominated them?(Required)

Yes

12. Can you confirm the nominee is under the age of 40?(Required)

Yes they are under 40.

They are 40

I am unsure.

Please tell us why you think this nominee would be an excellent representative for the council and MRAA:(Required)