CONGRATULATIONS
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Honestly ? The easy paycheck . My first job in the marine industry was to write boating-related press releases and act as administrative support for a communications group in Portland , Maine .
I knew the lingo and I knew how to write so it was a fun way to spend my day . However , it ’ s the people in this industry that kept me here . I had some amazing mentors and I continue to have great conversations with marine industry folks – from linguistics to engineering , and from movie quotes to music lyrics . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? I learned about the physics associated with wind and sailing , so I lost my fear of flying . And then I learned about metal fatigue and that fear of flying came back . Joking aside , my biggest lesson is that things will continue to progress . The technology that comes out of R & D with boat design and electrical systems is fascinating . The first time I saw a workable part come out of a 3D printer , I squealed . I wish I could live another 100 years because I am so curious about what ’ s next . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Working with the IBEX education program made me realize that I wanted to make an impact in education and training in the marine industry . I went over to The Landing School to see how that fit into my goals , and that ’ s when the pandemic hit along with a bigger worker shortage , and I realized I wanted to return to the national conversation . Now , with my job at ABYC , I can make an impact in education and training as well as workforce development by connecting schools with industry . This brings me to a very memorable and satisfying moment : I was giving a presentation at a school this spring , and the industry audience started asking questions that the school staff and instructors were answering . Seeing that connection , that was a great moment . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? It wasn ’ t difficult , but it could be frustrating sometimes . I think the industry is evolving and I work with a really amazing team now . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I have changed over the years , and I hope my
CONGRATULATIONS
LACEY NEAHR
For Being Nominated By The Industry And Selected By Boating Industry ’ s Woman Making Waves Issue
www . boatingindustry . com june 2023
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