July 7, 2020

The two join the marine trade school’s faculty and administration, respectively
 
The Landing School in Arundel, Maine, has welcomed Duane Branch to its Yacht Design program as faculty member Ken Rusinek retires, and Sarah Devlin to run its communications efforts.
 
Duane Branch, a 1990 graduate of the school’s Yacht Design program, comes to The Landing School after having worked with Gold Coast Yachts, Goetz Custom Boats, Pearson Marine Group, and most recently New England Boatworks. “Duane brings real-life experience from where design meets manufacture,” The Landing School’s President Richard Downs-Honey says. “He solidly understands that not everything designers draw can be built. This connection between the design office and the shop floor is key to the culture at The Landing School.”
 
Formerly the Education Director for the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) as well as the Communications Director for a New England ski resort, Sarah Devlin takes on the role of Communications Director at The Landing School. She will act as liaison for all media queries, coordinate internal communication, and support recruitment and development. “Sarah’s long experience in the marine industry, coupled with her experience in training and communications, makes her a perfect fit for the school,” Downs-Honey continues. “She understands the school’s environment and adds a new energy to our team.”
 
Retiring Ken Rusinek was originally a Design Program Manager at The Landing School in the early ’90s, then returned in 2002 to be a Systems Instructor, Director for Continuing Education, a Composites Program Manager, Director of Education, and ultimately a Yacht Design instructor since 2014. “As a degreed Naval Architect with nearly 50 years’ industry experience, Ken has brought a limitless amount of expertise and wisdom to The Landing School. He has been professionally involved in the design and engineering of commercial work boats, recreational powerboats, and luxury sailing yachts,” Sean Fawcett, Dean of Education, says. “His contribution to the school spans 25 years in roles as instructor in Marine Systems, Composites, and Yacht Design as well as Director of Education. He will be missed at the school… but we have his phone number!”
 
The Landing School is currently graduating its 2020 students and accepting applications for the 2020/21 school year.