FROM: NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

          231 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2050

          Chicago, IL 60604

 For Immediate Release

 Staffing Changes within NMMA Government Relations

Nicole Vasilaros assumes Director of Regulatory and Legal Affairs as Cindy Squires departs NMMA for new role

CHICAGO, I.L.  March 1, 2013 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is pleased to announce that effective March 16, Nicole Vasilaros will assume the title of Director of Regulatory and Legal Affairs. The move comes on the heels of the departure of Cindy Squires.

Squires leaves NMMA to join the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) as Executive Director. In her nearly ten years with NMMA, Squires has been a significant contributor to the work of the government relations office, and her knowledge and capability will be missed. NMMA congratulates her on this new and exciting role.

Vasilaros is a Graduate of University of Florida Levin School of Law (Juris Doctor), Georgetown University Law School (Visiting Student in 3rd year), Member of the Virginia Bar, and graduate of Emory University (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.) Previously NMMA’s Manager of State Government Relations & Legislative Counsel, Vasilaros has been a strong contributor to state lobbying efforts for the recreational boating industry, including the successful passage of legislation in Louisiana making it more favorable for recreational marine manufacturers to do business in the state and participate in boat shows. She has also managed state, legal, and regulatory efforts for the Personal Watercraft Industry Association and in 2012, steered efforts that resulted in NMMA events at the Democratic and Republican presidential conventions. Prior to her time at NMMA, Vasilaros worked on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, handling health care, education and judiciary issues. NMMA will begin an immediate search for her replacement.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says of the staffing changes, “While we will miss Cindy Squires and the sound advice and guidance she has provided on a number of important legislative, regulatory and legal issues, we are pleased to see her  take her career to a new level with the IWPA and wish her all the best. Nicole Vasilaros has shown great leadership and tenacity; we are confident she will continue to do great work for NMMA as our new Director of Regulatory and Legal Affairs.”

For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-737-9752 or [email protected].

 

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About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information visit www.nmma.org.