NMEA appoints new president

SEVERNA PARK, Md. – The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has appointed David Hayden as its new president and executive director, it reported in a statement this morning.

Hayden accepted the leadership position of the 500-member NMEA after serving 34 years in the marine electronics industry, according to NMEA.

As NMEA’s president, Hayden will have overall leadership and management responsibility for delivering NMEA’s benefits and services to more than 500 members representing marine electronics dealers, manufacturers, distributors, representatives and others who design, build, install and service marine electronics on all types of pleasure craft and light commercial vessels. Hayden will work with a 16-member Board of Directors to fulfill the mission of the NMEA, which focuses on building professionalism in the industry and on providing a safe, exciting boating experience for the boating consumer. He began the new position on May 1.

“Over the years David has been such an important player both in the marine electronics industry and in the NMEA,” said Mark Young, chairman of the NMEA Board of Directors. “I feel that his experience will be a great strength for the NMEA and the industry. Those who know David also know how strong he is in building and maintaining relationships and that is another great asset.”

The NMEA initiatives that Hayden will lead, with the help of his team, are all aimed at increasing professionalism of marine electronics dealers and at creating a safe and fun boating experience for American families. Among the NMEA initiatives are development of NMEA Standards, the CMET (Certified Marine Electronics Technician) Program, and the Installation Standards Program.

In recent years NMEA has added, and continues to improve upon, certification and education programs for technicians who install and repair marine electronics aboard recreational and light commercial vessels. A new initiative is a free Education Day for marine electronics dealers who attend the NMEA National Conference and Expo, to be held Oct. 17-20 at Amelia Island, Fla.

Hayden began his career in the marine industry as a sales representative for NECO Marine Ltd., an England-based autopilot manufacturer. He organized and opened a new subsidiary in Annapolis, Md., and later served as sales director for NECO, supervising a 50-employee department. He later joined Raymarine, managing its Tampa high seas service and distribution facility and then worked for Cybernet Marine as national sales manager.

More recently, Hayden has worked as a manufacturer’s representative, first for Pilot Marine Associates, and then in his own rep firm, D & L Marketing, that he launched in 1988.

He has served in various volunteer capacities for the NMEA including Mid-Atlantic regional director, vice president and chairman of the board from 2000–2002, the association reported.

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