WSIA names Kevin Michael as new executive director

ORLANDO – The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) announced Kevin Michael as the group’s new executive director, effective March 1, 2016.

WSIA President John Archer welcomed Kevin to his new position in front of 170 industry members during the WSIA Summit in San Diego, Calif. “Sometimes the person you’re looking for is right under your nose,” said Archer. “Kevin’s lifelong immersion in the industry, starting as a show skier, then on to a career in water sports media, and finally as assistant director of our association, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the WSIA.”

Longtime WSIA mainstay Larry Meddock passes the torch, while remaining heavily involved with WSIA as chairman of the board, specializing in waterway access issues and government affairs. Larry was also recently appointed to the Boating Industry Risk Management Council (BIRMC) board of directors in February.

Larry has been training Kevin for nine months and has been a mentor to the new executive director for over a decade. “We were looking for someone to take the WSIA to that next level. Having known Kevin for a long time, I can tell you he brings passion to the WSIA, a deep understanding of all the sport disciplines, integrity and honesty. That next level is well within his grasp.”

Kevin was very thankful and appreciative as he addressed the crowd at the WSIA Summit. “Towed water sports has given me everything, and now I have the chance to give back. Looking ahead, the WSIA isn’t about me, it’s about all of us in this room and many more out there looking to find our next step,” Kevin said. “Our best chance of preserving the vitality of our activities is to work together. I vow to give this job everything I’ve got.”