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Today, the NMMA honored Michele J. Goldsmith, Vice President and General Manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, with the 2024 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity and personal motivation. The award was presented during the Industry Breakfast at the Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show®.

“Throughout her career, Michele has had the unique ability to connect people and ideas. Her passion, vision, and dedication are matched with a tireless commitment to bettering the marine industry,” said Steve Tilders, sales director for Xylem Inc. and nominator. “It is an honor to present Michele Goldsmith with this well-deserved recognition and we hope she continues to inspire and empower future generations of marine industry professionals for years to come.”

Goldsmith’s ties to recreational boating run deep and started early. She is the third generation in her family to work in the industry. Her grandparents started in the 1940s, followed by her parents in the 1970s and she joined the industry in 1991, working alongside her father at Todd Enterprises. She got her start running manufacturing operations of the plastics business before taking over sales and marketing.

She moved on to Charles Industries in 2000, followed by variousroles in sales, marketing, and product development for marine component companies, including Paneltronics, Mastervolt and Lippert. Her marine industry experience includes manufacturing operations, product development, and marketing and sales management roles to the OEM, aftermarket, domestic and international sectors.

In 2018, Goldsmith joined Active Interest Media as the publisher of Soundings Trade Only and was named Vice President and General Manager of Soundings Trade Only Group in 2023. During her tenure with AIM, she has pioneered programs and event series, including "Pitch the Pros", "Women in the Industry" and “1+1 Mentoring Program,” providing a platform for industry professionals to connect and learn in a supportive and inclusive community within the marine industry.

She has actively served the marine industry on the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) board of directors, executive board, chair of the Marine Accessories and Components Division (MACD) board of directors, Grow Boating and BoatPAC boards, as well as the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) technical board of directors. Goldsmith was also recognized with the 2023 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Goldsmith is a visual thinker and artist.. She enjoys moving outside her comfort zone traveling, hiking and exploring, continuous learning, and has an appreciation for time spent near or on the water with friends and family.

Click here for more information about NMMA’s Alan J. Freedman Award and to nominate a deserving leader for the 2025 award.