ABYC Names Sarah Devlin as Accreditation Director

Sarah Devlin

Nov 1, 2022

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has named Sarah Devlin as the new Accreditation Director to manage and promote the ABYC Foundation’s expanding Marine Trades Accreditation Program (MTAP), which launched earlier this year. Devlin will work directly with secondary and post-secondary schools across the country that are educating future marine technicians.

“I am eager to get more involved in these initiatives for graduating technicians to receive the guidance necessary to succeed in the marine industry,” Devlin said. “I look forward to connecting with both schools and industry to ensure students are getting trained to the Standards behind 90% of the boats built in North America.”

Devlin, who has been ABYC’s Content Director since early 2021, formerly worked as Communications Director for The Landing School and Education Director for the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). She will continue the work with teachers and school administrators that Margaret Podlich initiated as the Foundation’s Executive Director.

“As Margaret has decided to pursue other opportunities, we look to continue the great work she started with MTAP,” John Adey, ABYC’s President, said. “As the first Executive Director, Margaret shaped the Foundation as a leader on the industry’s workforce development front. We will all miss the energy she brought to her position.”

Accreditation is available to all high school and post-secondary school marine service technology programs that deliver consistent and reliable instruction on industry-acknowledged topics and techniques. Practices, resources, and instructors must all meet ABYC Foundation Accreditation Commission standards. Visit www.teachboats.org to learn more.

Related Posts




Recreational Marine Industry Applauds Removal of the Luxury Tax on Boats in Budget 2025

NMMA Canada

OTTAWA (November 4, 2025)—Canada’s boating industry applauds Budget 2025’s commitment to remove the devastating luxury tax on boats, a failed tax policy that unfairly punished Canadian manufacturers and workers. When the luxury tax was first implemented in September 2022, Canada’s marine industry leaders were quick to point out the impending losses of middle-class jobs, government tax revenues and sales declines.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Highfield Boats Announces New Escape Fiberglass-Hull Center Console Rib Series

Highfield Boats, America’s leading RIB brand, is proud to announce the launch the Escape Series, an all-new line of fiberglass-hull center console RIBS made in the USA. The first two models in the series, the Highfield Escape 650 and Escape 750, were unveiled during the Highfield Boats Dealer & Media Day Event at the company’s factory in Cadillac, Michigan.

Read More



RAILBLAZA AnchorPoint Phone Holder Ensures Device Safety on the Water

RAILBLAZA, manufacturer of premium quality, user-friendly electronics, fishing and boating mounting systems and accessories, has announced the launch of its AnchorPoint Phone Holder, an adventure-ready mobile device holder built for the harshest environments.

Read More