Tell us about your boating history.
Not only am I a certified scuba diver, but
I went to the Annapolis Sailing School
from beginner through bareboating in
the Chesapeake. My boating experience
includes:
• Co-owned a Sabre 28 sailed
on the Chesapeake
• Sailed extensively on a Pearson 26
on the Magothy River
• Bareboat experience in the
British Virgin Islands
• Previously owned/cruised an S2 sloop
cruising, as well as enjoyed a Motoryacht
experience on a Hatteras 53’, while
living in the Florida Keys.
What did you know about
ABYC before joining the team?
I had heard of ABYC while working for
the Annapolis Boat Shows and seeing the
old headquarters building in Edgewater,
MD. (ABYC moved to Annapolis’ Historic
Eastport in 2006).
What are some of
the top priorities on your agenda?
My goals are three fold: I am talking to as
many members in all different categories
to determine how we can continue to be
relevant to the success of their business,
I will develop new benefit programs
based on member feedback, and I plan
to stabilize our retention efforts to keep
our existing membership base. ABYC is a
strong focused organization that is working
on a multitude of issues regarding boating
safety and we have a loyal base of members
that fully support these efforts.
Why should someone join ABYC?
ABYC is focused on making boating
safer. Anyone who works in the marine
industry should be a member. We write
the standards that govern the design,
construction and manufacture of boats.
While marine surveyors evaluate the safety
and reliability of boats, service facilities
utilize ABYC certified technicians to repair
and upgrade boats.
How has working at ABYC
changed your view of boating safety?
Having been on and around boats for many
years, it’s amazing what you can learn every
day from our members.
What do you find most
interesting about working at ABYC?
I am most impressed over the dedication
of the staff in making sure we become
the go-to source for promoting safety in
design, manufacturing, equipage repair
and maintenance of boats.
How do you see the marine industry has
evolved in the past 10 years and where
do you see it going in the next 5 years?
The last couple of years have been extremely
tough on the boating industry, but we see
signs every day that it’s improving and
marine businesses are making the decision
to join and support our work at ABYC.
Prior to ABYC, Kevin served as a
National Program Manager at the
National Federation of Independent
Business (NFIB), a 350,000 member
association serving small business owners.
He initiated several new member benefit
programs resulting in membership growth
and increased retention. Prior to NFIB,
Kevin served as Director of Membership
and Marketing Services at the National
Club Association (NCA) establishing a
national membership advisory council
and building the association non-member
revenue base. His nautical background
includes working for the Annapolis Boat
shows as a show manager and years of
sailing experience. Kevin is a long time
resident of the Annapolis area and resides
in southern Anne Arundel County with
his wife Carrie.
The team is excited to have Kevin on
board and to reiterate what ABYC
President John Adey said in the news
release announcement, “Kevin comes
to ABYC as a seasoned membership
professional with a wealth of local
knowledge having been on and around
boats. We are really looking forward to his
insight and new ideas.”
B Y N I N A U L L R I C H , B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T / M A R K E T I N G
ABYC’s Welcomes
Membership Manager Kevin Scullen
While Kevin was meeting new members,
Nina talked with Kevin himself to learn just who he is.
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