By Tim Murphy Education Project Manager , ABYC Foundation s part of its mission to be a pipeline for future technicians in the marine industry , the American Boat & Yacht Council ( ABYC ) Foundation has named Rhode Island ’ s Kevin McKiernan of North Providence High School as its 2022 Educator of the Year .

“ Kevin ’ s goal is not only to teach his students but also to launch them into a career in the marine industry ,” said Sarah Devlin , ABYC Foundation accreditation manager . “ This type of long-term thinking and guidance is vital . The technician shortage may be the biggest challenge facing the marine industry . Our foundation is committed to fostering the education that current and aspiring technicians need to support marine builders , dealers , service yards , and , ultimately , boaters .”

Russ Clearo is the founder of RC Marine Electric , with offices in Newport , R . I ., and Ft . Lauderdale , Fla . His company services electrical installations from shoreside residences to superyachts . “ Training a new technician is not easy or cheap ,” said Clearo . “ Any graduate from any technical program will take from one to two years to be able to work unsupervised . But being able to bring someone in who has had at least some instruction in the field makes it that much easier to get up to speed .”

Each year Clearo hires at least one graduate from McKiernan ’ s Marine Tech class . “ I was a student of Kevin ’ s , so I ’ m very familiar with his expertise ,” said Clearo . “ Kevin ’ s only focus as

26 february 2023 www . boatingindustry . com