EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S CORNER

Dear Sail America Member:

After six rewarding years as Sail America's Executive Director, I am writing to let you know that I left Sail America at the end of August as part of the Board of Director's recent decision to shift the management of Sail America from a dedicated office and Executive Director to an association management company.

I write this letter with mixed emotions; I am excited by the career opportunities that lie ahead but sad to be leaving behind such a great team, a strong membership, an exceptional Board of Directors, first-class vendors and partners, and an association that plays such a critical role for the sailing industry. As many of you know, I have had a lifelong passion for sailing, so these past years immersed in the industry have been some of the most rewarding of my personal and professional life.

I feel honored to have served the association during what was an extremely challenging time in the history of the sailing industry. Despite the challenges, I'm pleased to report that Sail America has become a stronger association and has grown in many measurable ways. During my time as Executive Director, we created a sustainable business model for Sail America, returned Sail America to financial health, expanded partnerships with boat shows around the country, and revitalized the Sail Pacific show. I am particularly proud of my instrumental role with the three editions of the Sailing Industry Conference, which brought us together as an industry during difficult market times.

During my last month at Sail America, I worked to help Sail America transition to the Lighthouse Consulting Group, the association management company that will be managing Sail America going forward. Some of you may already be familiar with Lighthouse, as it has worked for Sail America on a project basis since the beginning of the year and helped run the 2012 Sailing Industry Conference in Newport. Having worked with the Lighthouse team for the past six months, I am confident in its ability to manage Sail America and fulfill the Board of Director's vision to expand member services and deliver future growth.

I wanted to take this chance to let you know of my plans to leave and to thank you for six rewarding years as Executive Director. I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors and hope to have the opportunity to work with you again in the months and years ahead!

I would love to stay in touch and can be reached at (401) 855-0416 or banksjp@earthlink.net.

Jonathan Banks
Executive Director
Sail America

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