Marine Mover – Sail America hires new executive director

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. – The Sail America Board of Directors has appointed Scott H. Evans as executive director of the sailing industry trade association, effective August 1, it reported in a recent statement.

Evans, who assumes the post vacated by Scot West, brings the experience from a 26-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard to the position.

The executive search included a short list of 20 resumes that were narrowed down to 10 personal interviews by an association screening committee. According to Sail America President Bill Bolin, the final selection of Evans was based on the candidate’s “tremendous work ethic, hands-on approach, dynamic team building skills and vast knowledge of both private and public sector interests.”

Evans is a highly accomplished senior military officer whose core expertise encompasses operations, personnel management, law enforcement and Homeland Security, strategic alliances, leadership development, aviation and training, according to the association.

Of special interest, he served three years as chief of the Office of Recreational Boating Safety and worked directly with Congress, Federal agencies, the States and U.S. Territories, along with boat and equipment manufacturers and more than 300 boating organizations throughout the country. Under his watch, the Coast Guard established national training standards and promoted the uniformity of State laws and reciprocity of education certificates between the states.

His career also included stints at the American Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas, and official Coast Guard representation on an interagency division under the Department of Homeland Security. Prior to his retirement, he most recently served as Director of the Coast Guard Operations Policy Directorate.

“We believe Scott’s broad management experience and proven team-building skills will help Sail America reach an even higher level of professionalism within the boating industry,” said Bolin. “In addition to his excellent background in building consensus among diverse groups and his ability to get things done, Scott also brings a real passion for sailing to the job, having been actively involved in the sport and lifestyle since childhood. Today, he and his family own and operate a 27-foot cruising sailboat that they will be able to put to good use in Newport!”