Owners of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Appoint New Executive Director
Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) January 06, 2014 -- The Marine Industries Association of South Florida announced today that it has appointed Phil Purcell as the new Executive Director of the largest marine industry association in Florida. The appointment of Mr. Purcell, a leading yacht industry executive with extensive marine industry sales experience, signals a renewed focus on industry promotion at the association that owns the largest annual in-water boat show in the world, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Purcell said, “I am honored and thrilled to take a leadership position at an association that is helping to transform all aspects of the recreational marine industry. I am looking forward to working with our members, as well as other South Florida stakeholders and the entire international marine industry community toward the common goal of greater professionalism and prosperity.”
Mr. Purcell is a well-known and highly regarded member of the international marine industry community as a result of his previous 17 years with Westport Shipyard/Yachts in senior management positions and as a shareholder. Westport is based in Washington State and is the largest superyacht builder in North America. Phil joined Westport in its infancy and was instrumental in creating their highly successful business model as a series builder with engineered designs that optimize performance and reduce lifecycle costs. Phil also possesses vast boat show experience, having exhibited Westport yachts annually at all of the major boat shows around the world. Serving as Executive Director will be Mr. Purcell’s full time employment.
“Phil’s passion for the marine industry and his vision for its future were the driving force behind the decision to select Phil as our new Executive Director,” said Kristina Hebert, President of the Board of Directors of the MIASF. Ms. Hebert continued, “Mr. Purcell’s selection was the result of an exhaustive three year search process that included the active participation of dozens of association members. The members understood the importance of a proper selection and refused to compromise until the ideal candidate was presented. We believe that Phil Purcell is that ideal candidate.” Mr. Purcell’s employment was approved by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors on December 23, 2013 and his tenure will commence on January 27, 2014.
Mr. Purcell will be replacing the current acting Executive Director, Carlos Vidueira, who has served in a part time capacity since 2010. Mr. Vidueira will continue to serve as the Association’s Treasurer and on its Executive Committee. “We are at a very exciting time for the marine industry and the addition of Phil Purcell as a full time steward of our association provides the necessary strategic thinking and expertise that will elevate our Association’s positive impact upon our industry and upon our community. I look forward to working with Phil for years to come,” said Mr. Vidueira about the announcement.
Dedicated to the promotion, professionalism and advocacy of the recreational marine industry, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida was founded in 1961 as a professional trade association and its current membership is comprised of hundreds of the finest marine industry companies in South Florida. In addition to its annual outreach events, including the annual Waterway Cleanup (environmental outreach), Plywood Regatta (youth outreach), and Family Boating Day (community outreach), the Association also owns the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show that is held in the fall of each year in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Lacie Randall, MIASF, http://www.miasf.org, +1 9545242733, [email protected]
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