Sail America Presents 2016 Board of Directors
Mar 21, 2016
Board adds two new directors to 2016 roster
Sail America, the trade association for the U.S. sailing industry, elected two new members to its 2016 Board of Directors: Chris Doscher, Beneteau America and Kevin Murphy, NMMA, Ex-Officio.
Photo: Marlow-Hunter’s Greg Emerson, shown here being interview by CY’s Andy Adams
The new Sail America Directors will join Scot West (President), Ronstan and Jeff Johnstone (Treasurer/Secretary), JBoats. Additionally, they will join existing Board Members Erin Schanen (VP Association), SAILING Magazine; Greg Emerson (VP Shows), Marlow-Hunter, LLC; Jay Stockmann (VP Marketing), Vetus Maxwell; Stanton Murray (Past President), Murray Yacht Sales; Kevin Coughlin,New England Ropes; Jack Gierhart, US Sailing; Lou Sandoval, Karma Yacht Sales; Reagan Haynes,Soundings Trade Only; Jim Abel, West Marine; Mark Pillsbury, Cruising World; Bob Ross, Sail Northwest and Kimo Worthington, North Sails.
New Board Director bios follow:
Chris Doscher grew up sailing on Barnegat Bay along the New Jersey coast. In the years since, his love of the sport has only grown stronger. Chris campaigned for the 1980, 84, 88 and 92 Olympics in the 470 class. Since then, he has owned, sailed, raced and campaigned on some of the best high-performance sailing yachts in the world including the Mumm 30 and Farr 40. Not surprisingly, Chris can also proudly claim his share of wins in the sport, including the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit.
After graduating from Kent State University, Chris formed, managed and grew his own highly successful private aviation business. Recently hired by Beneteau as their Sailboat Sales Manager for North America, Chris brings to the position not only a long and expansive knowledge of the product he will be selling, but a sharp business acumen.
Kevin Murphy is a devoted husband and father of three and has spent over 20 years as a show manager with National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Prior to his time at NMMA, Kevin received his Business Management Degree at Allegheny Community College and Florida Atlantic University. Immediately following, he earned a series 7 and 63 license and worked as an investment broker associate at Stuart James Investment Company.
Along with his expansive knowledge of the boating industry, he brings many years of experience managing boat shows to an already strong Sail America board. Kevin’s passion for building and developing opportunities for success for both the small business owner and the large boat manufacturer within the marine industry is exemplified in his day-to-day show planning, budgeting, production and implementation of the Strictly Sail Miami, Tampa and Atlanta Boat Shows.
Sail America – Sail America is the trade association for the U.S. sailing industry and plays a vital role for all companies that are involved in providing sailing-related products and services. Established in 1990 by members of the U.S. sailing industry, Sail America now has over 200 members representing all segments of the sailing market. With a professional staff, a dedicated Board of Directors, and a team of volunteers and supporters, Sail America works hard to promote the health and growth of sailing. www.sailamerica.com.
