The Outstanding Organizational Leader Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has made notable contributions to an organization that have resulted in membership growth, positive financial development, or increased community awareness and integration.
This individual is also a proven leader outside their organization demonstrating the ability to work across traditional boundaries to advance community and social causes. The recipient of this award is a true champion for community sailing, serving as ambassador, advocate, fundraiser, and leader, and serving as the “face” for their organization. While the winner of this award may wear multiple hats, it is expected that they will predominantly hold an administrative position, such as a board member, trustee or executive director.
Please submit nominations by December 15th.
Previous Award Recipients
- 2024 – Owen Milne, Lake Champlain Community Boating Center (Burlington, VT)
- 2023 – Paul Lang, Mission Bay Aquatic Center (San Diego, CA)
- 2022 – Matt Thompson, Sail Wayzata (Wayzata, MN)
- 2021 – Robert Burke, SUNY Maritime College (New York, NY)
- 2020 – Karen Harris, Jackson Park Yacht Club (Chicago, IL)
- 2019 – Holly Church, Milwaukee Community Sailing Center (Milwaukee, WI)
- 2018 – Brad Read, Sail Newport (Newport, RI)
- 2017 – Jaime Jones, Hoover Sailing Club (Westerville, OH)
- 2016 – Spike Lobdell, New England Science & Sailing (Stonington, CT)
- 2015 – Alan Jenkinson, US Sailing Center (Jensen Beach, FL)
- 2014 – John Lackey, Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation (Tampa, FL)
- 2013 – Not Awarded
- 2012 – Charlie Zechel, Community Boating, Inc. (Boston, MA)
- 2011 – Not Awarded
- 2010 – Tom Moore, Community Boating, Inc., for Boston Area Regional Council (MA)
- 2009 – Morgan Collins, Sail Sand Point (Seattle, WA)
- 2008 – Bob Cornwell & Mike Wills, Traverse Area Community Boating (Traverse City, MI)
- 2007 – Robbie Deane
- 2006 – Matt Mikkelborg, North Kitsap High School (Poulsbo, WA)
- 2005 – Vesta Gettys, Thunderbird Sailing Club (Norman, OK)
- 2004 – Barry Wickre, North Carolina Maritime Museum (Roanoke Island, NC)
- 2003 – John Lemon, Sail Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- 2000 – Talbot Baker Jr., Community Boating Center (New Bedford, MA)
- 1996 – Larry White, Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA)