NMEA names new president

ANNAPOLIS, Md. and SEVERNA PARK, Md. – The National Marine Electronics Association and the American Boat & Yacht Council have made two key personnel moves, the organizations said in a press release yesterday.

Effective June 26, Bonnie Barsa, long-time ABYC education director, will become NMEA president. Barsa began her career with ABYC in 1988 in the membership department. She then turned her energies toward developing an education department and, under her leadership, ABYC introduced a comprehensive education program in 1989.

Since then, Barsa has overseen all ABYC educational program development, including seminars, workshops, the ABYC Standards Accreditation course, seven ABYC marine technician certification courses, online training and a myriad of other projects that have helped pave the path for ABYC. Barsa has received ABYC’s C.T. Moyer Leadership Award, and before she came to ABYC she was a bank manager and officer for a large bank in Maryland.

As NMEA’s president, Barsa will have overall leadership and management responsibility for more than 500 NMEA members representing most major marine electronics dealers, manufacturers, distributors, representatives and others. Barsa will work with a 16-member board of directors to fulfill NMEA’s mission, which focuses on building professionalism in the industry and providing a safe, exciting boating experience for the boating consumer.

“Bonnie’s background and knowledge in education and certification programs fits perfectly with the current direction of the NMEA as we are very focused on upgrading professionalism and customer service at the technical dealer level,” said Mark Young, chairman of the NMEA board of directors. “We feel confident that Bonnie will help the NMEA develop as an organization and will help the membership meet future challenges.”

With Barsa’s departure, ABYC has named Michael New as the director of educational services for ABYC’s education department. Prior to joining ABYC, New worked in the commercial, heavy capacity scale industry, where he was responsible for administrating sales, training and education. New also worked extensively with the standards associated with that industry. He also owned and operated a successful printing company and chaired a comprehensive recreational sports program in Harford County, Md.

“We are proud that Bonnie’s background and her experience at ABYC has enabled her to professionally grow to become the President of NMEA,” said Skip Burdon, ABYC president. “Such a change can only benefit the professional relationship between both ABYC and NMEA, and I am confident she will continue to make great contributions to NMEA and to the marine industry. I am also very confident that under Michael New’s leadership, the ABYC education programs and certifications will continue to expand and flourish. We look forward to setting sail for new ports and new adventures in the area of education and training under Michael’s charge.”

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