May 20, 2016

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced that industry veteran Craig Scholten has joined the association as technical vice president. With 33 years of experience in the boating industry, Scholten will further support ABYC’s mission of being the essential source of technical information in the international marine industry. 

Scholten will oversee the ABYC technical department and be responsible for ABYC’s relationship with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and compliance with Europe’s Recreational Craft Directive (RCD). Scholten will also be working with the membership department to help add value to new and existing members from a technical resource perspective.

“I have worked with Craig for over 14 years, never has someone been more qualified to further the ABYC mission than Craig,” said John Adey, ABYC president. “His expertise in applying our standards to production boatbuilding gives him a unique perspective to increase the value of an ABYC membership both nationally and internationally.”

Scholten joins ABYC from Rec Boat Holdings, LLC, where he most recently served as production engineering/product compliance manager. In this role, he provided the global product compliance and certification of Four Winns, Glastron, Scarab, Wellcraft boats and trailers. His additional industry credentials include: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Standards Compliance Specialist; Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) Product Compliance Manager; Genmar Director of Product Compliance; ABYC Master Technician and ABYC Technical Board Chairman.

“I am excited to join ABYC’s talented team as technical vice president and to continue the tradition of outstanding member service,” said Scholten. “I have a passion for global compliance and will draw on my years of experience to provide positive contributions to the industry. I am honored to represent one of the most trusted organizations in the world and look forward to enhancing your membership experience for many years to come.”

To learn more about ABYC and the technical department, visit www.abycinc.org