MIASF Elects New Board and Issues Awards

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) hosted its 2022 Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon at the Lauderdale Yacht Club on May 18 for its members, local elected officials, and community business leaders.

Doug West, president/general manager of Willis Custom Yachts, and chairman of the MIASF board of directors, announced the newly and re-elected members: Katie Hagan of FHG Marine Engineering, Inc., Bill Walker of Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale, and Graeme Lord of Fairport Yacht Support who will return to the board and serve on the executive committee as secretary/treasurer. Julie Berry of CBRE Marina Group, Andrew Doole of Informa Markets, and Michael Kelly of Bradford Marine were also re-elected to the board. Jimmie Harrison was elected to serve as chairman. MIASF also recognized outgoing board members Jim Naugle (past chairman), Tyler Chappell, and Dean DuToit.

In a brief recap of the past year, Phil Purcell, MIASF CEO/president, remarked, “Although much of our industry benefitted from an unexpected bump this past year, we must remain vigilant as we will without a doubt face hurdles in the road ahead and make thoughtful decisions to maintain our momentum and continue to move in a positive direction. I have no doubt, that with the tremendous leadership throughout our industry we will do just that. The team at MIASF continues to check boxes, achieve success together, and show leadership in our industry and community.”

There were three Award of Excellence winners announced at the event for their outstanding achievements and contributions including Bob Crawford, principal and director of Atlantic Technical College, Roger Moore, CEO and chairman of Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore, and Katie O’Fallon, Marine Magnet Coordinator at New River Middle School. Additionally, the Frank Herhold Memorial Scholarship recipient was announced as Shaman Patel who is conducting research to generate an understanding of which corals are critical to ecosystem stability in the Caribbean.

Jimmie Harrison, Owner of Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, received the 2022 Golden Anchor Award, which recognizes an individual for their lifetime of work and achievement in the marine industry. Harrison has led his third-generation family business to become the largest propeller shop in the nation that is celebrating its 75^th year of existence.

The event concluded with presentations from both Shane Strum, president/CEO of Broward Health, and Brooks Smith, CEO of InComm Payments.