The Outstanding Organizational Leader Award honors an exceptional individual who has made notable contributions to an organization that have resulted in membership growth, positive financial development, or increased community awareness or integration. This 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. This individual is also a proven leader outside of their primary organization, demonstrating the ability to work across traditional boundaries to advance community and social causes. 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.
Previous Award Recipients
- 2023 – Paul Lang (San Diego, CA)
- 2022 – Matt Thompson (Wayzata, MN)
- 2021 – Robert Burke (New York, NY)
- 2020 – Karen Harris (Chicago, IL)
- 2019 – Holly Church (Milwaukee, Wis.)
- 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 Boatin, Inc. (Boston, MA)
- 2011 – Not Awarded
- 2010 – Tom Moore, Community Boating, Inc., for Boston Area Regional Council
- 2009 – Morgan Collins, Sail Sand Point (Seattle, WA)
- 2008 – Bob Cornwell & Mike Wills, Traverse Area Comm. Boating
- 2007 – Robbie Dean
- 2006 – Matt Mikkelborg, North Kitsap HS
- 2005 – Vesta Gettys, Thunderbird Sailing Club
- 2004 – Barry Wickre
- 2003 – John Lemon, Sail Chicago
- 2000 – Talbot Baker Jr., Community Boating Center
- 1996 – Larry White, Interscholastic Sailing Assoc.