MTA/NJ Elects New Officers and Directors

On April 16, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey elected its 2026-2027 Officers and Directors (MTA/NJ) during the organization’s Annual Dinner & Elections at Jumping Brook Country Club. The association also presented three Top Sponsor Awards and gave special recognition to the retiring board members and to MTA/NJ executive director Melissa Danko for her 25 years with the association.

Brian Houf of MESCO will continue to serve as president of the Association. Jerry Bench of Wintron Electronics in Manasquan remains first vice president, and Karen Gruppuso of Coastal Environmental Consulting in Toms River continues as second vice president. Ed Harrison III of Baywood Marina in Brick will continue in his role as treasurer, and Raymond Bogan of Sinn, Cantoli, Bogan & Steuerman in Point Pleasant Beach remains secretary. Colleen Blake of All Points Marina in Point Pleasant Beach will also continue to serve on the Board as immediate past president.

The following directors were re-elected to begin a new two-year term: Lou Cecchini of Offshore Marine in Branchville, Aaron Held of Octopus Yachts: Marine Electrical Systems in Wall, Eric Traber of Pier 47 Marina in Wildwood, and Eliot Walters of Dillon’s Creek Marina in Island Heights.  Continuing their two-year terms are Mark Cassidy of Cassidy’s Breton Woods Marina in Brick, Pat Salinas of Morgan Marina in Parlin, John Leek of Viking Yacht Co. & Valhalla Boatworks in New Gretna, and Pat McGovern of Mack Boring & Parts Co. in Somerset.

The active past presidents that will continue to serve on the Board include Fred Brueggemann, Jim Cerruti, Don Ditzel of Comstock Yacht Sales & Marina in Brick, Tom Leaming of Leamings Marina in Waretown, Paul Terzian of Causeway Marine Sales in Manahawkin, and Rick Traber of Pier 47 Marina in Wildwood.