NMMA Continues Enhancing Advocacy Efforts Amid Expansion of Government and Public Affairs Team

NMMA Advocacy Efforts

Oct 31, 2023

Photo L-R: Cameron Nelson, Molly Drenkard, Joshua Jamison

As the NMMA continues to advance the industry’s critical advocacy work, the association has announced the addition of three new roles in its Washington, D.C. headquarters. The roles span public affairs, federal government relations and policy engagement.

Molly Drenkard joins NMMA as vice president of public affairs, leading the association’s strategic communications related to policy and government engagement. Drenkard comes to NMMA from Anheuser-Busch, where she served as director of corporate communications, driving national and state public affairs campaigns and issue management. Prior to Anheuser-Busch, Drenkard was national press secretary within the U.S. House of Representatives, and media relations and public affairs director for the American Legislative Exchange Council. Drenkard reports to Ellen Bradley, chief brand officer and senior vice president of marketing and communications.

Joshua Jamison has been hired as federal government relations manager, responsible for strategic advocacy efforts on the national level. He comes to NMMA from the office of U.S. Representative John Duarte of California, where he was legislative director, overseeing the Congressman’s Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure and Agriculture committee assignments. Jamison reports to Callie Hoyt, vice president of government affairs.

Cameron Nelson joins the association as policy and political engagement manager, assisting with outreach and management of the BoatPAC. He comes to NMMA from the Tennessee Pinnacle Group, where he was vice president of operations, and prior to that, research assistant for the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Nelson reports to Erica Crocker, director of political engagement and advocacy.

With the addition of Drenkard, Jamison and Nelson, NMMA has elevated key roles within the association to further enhance its advocacy work. Callie Hoyt, is promoted to vice president of government affairs, Ben Murray has been promoted to director of state government relations, and Lauren Hyland has been promoted to senior public affairs manager.

The new hires and elevated roles round out the robust government-focused team including: David Dickerson, vice president of state government relations and executive director of the Personal Watercraft Industry Association; Jeff Wasil, senior director of environment, health and safety compliance, who will succeed John McKnight, senior vice president of environment, health and safety compliance (who is set to retire in late 2024); Crocker, senior director of political advocacy and engagement; Clay Crabtree, director of federal government relations; Rachel Fischer, manager of Western policy and engagement; and Jesse McArdell, manager of Midwestern and Northeast policy and engagement.

“This strong team of government relations and public affairs professionals are helping NMMA ensure the growth and success of the recreational boating industry as they work on behalf of NMMA’s more than 1,300 member companies. Their work reinforces our industry’s commitment to being at the table to help shape and support policies that impact millions of boaters and more than 800,000 boating industry employees around the country,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president.

In addition, a search is underway for a senior vice president of government affairs to lead NMMA’s government-focused efforts. With the association’s recent move of its headquarters to Washington, D.C., a search is also underway for a D.C.-based manager of business operations, reporting into Nick Ligammari, senior director of operations.

 

Related Articles





Canada’s Marine Retailers Band Together to Form New Canadian Marine Retailers Association

CMRA

The provincial marine associations from across the country, collectively representing over 80,000 jobs and $9.2B in national annual economic impact, announced the formation of a new national association whose mandate will be to represent the interests of recreational boating including recreational boat retailing and brokering, boat and engine & trailer sales, accessories, slip rentals, service, storage, fuel sales and more. Headquartered in Penetanguishene, Ontario, the newly formed Canadian Marine Retailers Association (CMRA) will focus on national issues facing the sector.

“The formation of a national voice to address the many aspects of our sector that affect the jobs and lives of Canadians from coast to coast is something many of our provincial associations have been calling for, for years,” says Brett Ramsey, President of Boating Ontario. “This is a positive step to ensuring issues facing our sector are represented to decisionmakers in the federal government.” 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.



Just Launched

No posts


Five Impressive Features of the New Marex 440 Cruiser

The Marex 440 Cruiser is a beacon of innovation, representing the newest generation of cruisers embellished with modern design lines and groundbreaking innovations. Spanning a length of 13.70 metres and flaunting a maximum beam of 4.27 metres, this elegant vessel is destined to become the jewel of the Marex brand. Here, we explore five key aspects of the Marex 440 that redefine the cruising experience.

1. Diverse Modifications: The Marex 440 is available in two distinctive modifications: the 440 Gourmet Cruiser, boasting a vast U-shaped kitchen layout, and the 440 Scandinavia Version, featuring an additional enclosed salon for dining. These modifications are meticulously designed to offer a versatile cruising experience, whether you prefer an expansive kitchen or an additional dining space, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyle needs. READ MORE


Stainless steel outlet covers built for harsh weather

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

Stainless steel combines long-lasting corrosion resistance with an attractive, classic appearance to enhance any deck. That’s why Hubbell Marine uses it in its premium Stainless Steel Flip Covers to protect electrical terminals from impacts, weather, even curious children and pets.

Both styles of Hubbell Marine Stainless Steel Flip Covers, and associated hinge pins, springs and mounting hardware, are built from heavy-duty polished 316 stainless steel. The easy-to-clean covers are enhanced by durable elastomer base gaskets and EVA back gaskets for weatherproof reliability. READ MORE