Board of Directors

Mark Schwabero is the president of Mercury Marine, based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Revenue for the global businesses are $2 billion. Mercury Marine, as part of the Brunswick Corporation, is the world’s leading manufacturer of marine propulsion systems.

Schwabero joined Mercury in 2004 with 28 years experience as a senior executive in the automotive and commercial vehicle industries. Prior to joining Mercury he was president and chief executive officer of Hendrickson International of Woodridge, Illinois, a leading manufacturer of heavy trucks and trailer suspension systems and components. Before that he served as president, automotive products and regional president for Pilkington Libbey-Owens-Ford. Earlier, Schwabero was president of Bosch Braking Systems, North America, formed from an acquisition of AlliedSignal’s Braking Systems business, where he served as president. A 17-year career with Navistar International preceded these more recent roles and during that tenure he was a group vice president of the truck business, group vice president of operations and general manager of medium duty products. He also spent two years in sales with Navistar. He holds both bachelor’s of science and master’s of science degrees in industrial and systems engineering from Ohio State University, where he was recognized with the University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1991 and the Meritorious Service Award in 2008. He also serves on the Board of Directors of 1st Source Corporation.

Maurice Bowen joined the Tracker Marine Group as Vice President of Marketing in January of 2001. His responsibilities include development of marketing strategy, plans and programs for the company’s ten boat brands and retail dealership network. Bowen came to TMG from a sales and marketing career in the automobile industry.

After twelve years with Ford Motor Company, joined the start-up marketing department at Hyundai Motor America. His assignments over 12 years at Hyundai included five years as the senior marketing executive, responsible for Market Research, Strategic Planning, Advertising, Promotions and Merchandising. Prior to joining TMG, worked for the Sandy Corporation, leading communications, training and performance improvement consulting projects for Toyota and Lexus.

Wayne Burdick, now President of Beneteau USA, Ltd., has been with the company since 1997. He created an 80% growth in sales and production in just under five years. Prior to joining Beneteau USA, he was President of Jeanneau America for six years and for the 20 years prior to that, owner of a yacht dealership. Served as past president of the Connecticut Marine Trades Association and is currently a board member of the South Carolina Marine Association.

Joined Grady-White Boats in 1975 and has held several positions including the role as Vice-President of Engineering, Information Systems and Accounting in 1986. Promoted to President in 1993 and continues to lead Grady-White Boats in delivering the vision “Together, Delivering the Ultimate Boating Experience” to customers. Grady-White produces 18 to 33-foot premium, outboard powered, saltwater fishing boats.

Clawson has been President and CEO since 2003, yet has been an owner involved in the Magic Tilt Trailers in various capacities for over 25 years. Clawson also is the current chairman of the Trailer Manufacturers Association Board.

Shirley Davenport has been a key player at Tie Down Engineering for 21 years. She has held the position of Secretary/Treasurer since 1987 and Vice President of Sales, Aftermarket Division. Promoted in 2007 to Executive Vice President overseeing all five sales divisions, administrative personnel, customer service and graphic departments. Currently serving on the AMD Board and PAC Committee. Served as Nominating Committee Chairperson for AMD 2007/2008 BOD. Previously served on the NMDA Executive Conference Committee, Dallas Jaycees and Board Directors for Paulding County Youth Association.

Deal is the founder, President and CEO of Maverick Boat Company, Inc. Deal is the manufacturer of Maverick, Hewes, Pathfinder and Cobia Boats. Past Chairman and present board member of Independent Boatbuilders Inc. (IBBI), and is also Standards Quality task force member for NMMA’s Grow Boating Initiative, 2003-2004. Activities include saltwater fishing, diving and various other athletics such as soccer, tennis and road biking.

Scott is also chairman of the Boat Manufacturers Divisional Board.

Jon Devitt joined Midwest Industries, Inc. 1997 as a designer and currently leads the company’s product development and engineering initiatives as Vice President of Engineering. Midwest Industries is located in Ida Grove, Iowa and is the manufacturer of the ShoreLand’r trailer and ShoreStation Lakefront Equipment brands. Jon has been involved in the marine industry for more than 20 years and is an active boater and water sports enthusiast.

Jon is also serving as Chairman of the Boat Trailer Manufacturers Association.

Long time boating and skiing enthusiast, Dorton left a successful career in the home fitness equipment industry for the marketing director’s position at MasterCraft Boat Company in 1996. Led the launch of the MariStar and X-Series lines for the company shortly after joining the company. In 1999, he was named President and later CEO of MasterCraft. Has also served as President of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), a board member of the (World Wakeboard Association, a member of the Young President's Organization, the Chief Executive Network, the American Society for Quality, and the Marine Design Resource Alliance. Dorton competes in amateur water ski tournaments, motor-cross racing and amateur bass tournaments.

Chris Drees was named President of Attwood in 2007.  Attwood designs and manufactures a wide variety of marine parts and accessories including water systems, lighting, seating, MotorGuide trolling motors, Swivl-Eze seat hardware, fuel systems, and boat maintenance products.  With a heritage of over 110 years, Attwood is one of the oldest companies in the Grand Rapids area.

Prior to joining Attwood, Chris held a number of positions in sales, marketing, operations, and general management within Mercury Marine.  Chris graduated with a B.B.A.  from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and also has an MBA from Marquette University.

Donald Dubois is President of Princecraft Boats located in the Province of Quebec, Canada. Princecraft was founded in 1954 in Princeville and manufactures fishing boats, pontoons and aluminium deckboats for Canada, the United States and abroad. Dubois joined the company in 2007 and recently moved from board director to Chairman of NMMA Canada.

Prior to joining Princecraft, Dubois held a number of positions in sales, marketing and after-sales service for General Electric's appliance affiliate in Canada (Camco/ Mabe).

Role at the company and background in the marine industry:  A lifelong boating and watersports enthusiast, Estes joined the marine industry professionally in 2006 by helping lead a growth investment into Malibu Boats where he currently sits on the company's board of directors. Separately, he co-owns a 21 year old private investment firm with long term, diverse holdings in a number of consumer goods and food manufacturing companies. He is an active participant in his community and has served in several leadership roles for a number of non profit organizations, including in particular organizations that assist at-risk youth. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, attended graduate school at Stanford University, and holds a BS in Geology from the University of Oklahoma.

Michele Goldsmith is the Director of North American Sales for Mastervolt, Inc., manufacturer of electrical products and systems for the marine industry. She previously served as Senior Sales & Marketing Manager at Paneltronics, Inc. Her tenure in manufacturing operations, sales and marketing in the marine industry spans 18 years.

Goldsmith is chairmperson of the AMD Board of Directors, and a member of the ABYC Technical Board, and IBEX and MAATS Planning Committees. She was also chairperson of the Aftermarket Distribution Task Force.

Graves is President of US Marine and Brunswick Outboard Boats. He joined Brunswick in November of 2005 as President of the Freshwater Boat Group, responsible for managing Lund, Lowe, Crestliner, Princecraft, Triton and Harris Kayot boat companies. In early 2007, assumed added responsibility for Brunswick’s Saltwater Boat Group including Boston Whaler, Government and Commercial Products and Trophy boat businesses. In April 2008 assumed responsibility for Bayliner and Maxum brands.

Prior to joining Brunswick, Graves has held various executive positions in large, global manufacturing firms. He was a Group President at Dresser Inc, served as COO for publicly traded Federal Signal Corporation; served as a senior operating executive at Case Corporation; and as President of CNH Capital following the merger between Fiat-New Holland and Case Corporation which created CNH Corporation.

Kevin S. Grodzki was named president of Mercury Marine Sales, Marketing and Commercial Operations. Previously, he was president of Mercury Marine’s MerCruiser operations. He joined Brunswick Corporation in July 2000 as president of the organization’s Life Fitness Division.

Previously, Mr. Grodzki was with the Crompton Corporation as vice president of its Polymer Additives Company. He spent the first 22 years of his career with E.I. DuPont DeNemours & Co., Inc. At DuPont, he held several senior management positions in the company’s chemical, electronics, medical and printing and publishing divisions in 11 different locations throughout North America and Europe.

Mr. Grodzki is an active member of the Illinois CPA Society. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from St. Francis University, Loretto, Pa. and his MBA from the University of Delaware.

Captain Gary Groenewold is Vice President, Southern Area for Westrec Marinas, He is responsible for all operating issues, business development, and acquisitions throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Over the last eighteen years Gary has been working on a variety of marina development and consulting projects, and has been involved firsthand in the design, construction, and operation of marina facilities throughout this same region.  

Gary holds a 500 gross ton captain's license and earned a CMM (Certified Marina Manager.)  He is currently the Chairman of the Association of Marine Industries (AMI) and represents them on both the Board of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) as well as the International Marinas Committee (IMC) of ICOMIA – the International Council of Marine Associations.

Current role is Marine Product Development Manager, serving the Caterpillar marine product line from 22 kW to 16,000 kW marine diesel engines and power systems.  Currently located in the Greenville, SC Caterpillar Marine Center after 6 years in the marine global office in Hamburg, Germany.

Regal Boats, a leading manufacturer of luxury performance boats, is a family owned business started in 1969 by Paul and Carol Kuck, Duane’s parents. Duane joined the Regal team in 1973 at the age of 18, learning every facet of the organization from the ground up. He held several positions with the company, including Chief Operating Officer and Vice President. Since 1994, he has served in the role of President and CEO.

He is currently on the board of The Beacon Foundation. Formerly he served on the board of the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association as an officer and director from 1993&ndahs;1999, as well as vice-chairman from 1995–1997.

Joined Volvo Penta of the Americas, a leading producer of marine propulsion systems, in 2005, after a eight year career with Genmar and 13 years in private practice working with boat and engine manufacturing clients. After stints as head of Diesel Sales Operations and Dealer and Consumer Relations, she currently serves as General Counsel and as Special Assistant to the CEO, performing cross functional duties within the organization to boost revenues, improve efficiencies and enhance customer experiences.  Also a member of BIRMC (Boating Industry Risk Management Council).

Lentine has been president of Norcross for eight years. He was previously vice president of operations for a boat dealership. His lifetime employment has been in the marine industry from boat washer, to service technician, to research and design of new products.

Frank Marciano joined Dometic Corporation, Marine Air Systems, in 1991 as production manager. He became Executive Vice President in December 1998, and President in April 2002. His current responsibilities include growing the marine business unit of Dometic on a global scale. He regularly travels to Europe and the Far East, developing and nurturing export business relationships. Frank holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and prior to Dometic, served 8 years at IBM in various engineering and management positions.

As one of the co-founders of Regulator Marine in 1988, Joan Maxwell is currently president and actively directs the daily operations of this acknowledged sportfishing boat manufacturing company. Regulator Marine produces world class, center console offshore sportfishing boats from 23 to 32 feet. Joan received the Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award in 2003. Being very active in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Edenton community, she has served in several lay positions in the church and on a number of local community boards. In addition, she was elected as a board member to the NMMA in 2004 and as a board member to the NMMA Boat Manufactures Division Board in 2002.

Bob Menne began his career in the recreation industry working in sales for a snowmobile distribution company in the 1960s. Formed a company in 1973 distributing Smoker Craft boats and Gator trailers in the Midwest. Served as president of Forester Boat Company starting in 1982 where he was instrumental in expanding the pontoon line as well as designing a new line of fiberglass sport runabouts. Left the company in 1992 to co-found Premier Marine of which he is president. Recently has served 2 terms on the RBFF Board promoting an increase in fishing awareness, and currently resides on the Grow Boating Marketing Committee which promotes the boating lifestyle.

As president, Taylor-Pajonk runs the daily operations of Taylor Made Products, a division of the Taylor Made Group. 85% of revenue is generated from aftermarket marine accessories. He has worked for Taylor Made in a variety of roles for the past 14 years.

President, responsible for all company operations at Indmar, which produces gasoline inboard engines and employs more than 130. Works closely with boat builders on custom and private label marine power solutions. Lead the development and successful introduction of electronic fuel injection systems within marine industry. Has worked within marine industry since 1972, is an active NMMA member and currently serves on NMMA’s EMD Board and on the Government Relations Committee.

Sherrerd is Industry Manager of the Marine Division of ASA Electronics. He is responsible for all new product development and overall management of the sales and marketing functions of the marine group.

Sherrerd serves on several NMMA committees and is Chairman of the OEM Mutual Efficiency Forum. Received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology.

As President of the Yamaha Marine Group Company, Ben Speciale directs all U.S.-based marine activities and subsidiaries. He oversees Yamaha’s boat companies, including Skeeter bass boats, G3 aluminum fishing boats and Precision Propeller Industries. Yamaha has approximately 2,000 marine dealers and is an OEM outboard supplier to 120 independent boat brands in the U.S.

Thurman is a 32-year marine industry veteran, having served as material manager, V.P. and General Manager, and President of Pleasurecraft Marine Engine Company during that time. For the past 10 years has been head of Pleasurecraft Engine Group (PEG), and it’s two divisions; PCM Engines, which supplies inboard engines to Watersports boat manufacturers, and Crusader Engines, which supplies inboard engines to the Cruiser and Sportfishing market. .

Has served numerous terms as trustee, Vice President, and President of the American Water Ski Educational Foundation, and honored by that organization as a trustee for life.

President of EdgeWater since 1995. Created the EdgeWater brand. Oversees company’s sales and operational growth. Worked in sales and marketing positions in media and financial services including Southeast Sales manager at Motor Boating Magazine. Lifetime boater. Past Director of Volusia Manufacturer’s Association, and NMMA PAC board member. Father of three and active in local sports and schools.

Through Watters’ presidency, Syntec services close to 85% of the marine industry’s carpet needs. Syntec started in 1986, and at that time, was the only company servicing the marine industry with carpet. About five years ago the Synergystec Campaign began to sell the industry vinyl, fabrics and adhesive with this focus being maintained today. Marine sales is the largest portion of Syntec’s business.