WOMEN MAKING WAVES simply being on the water, it’ s where I feel most at home. But it wasn’ t until I joined Raytheon Marine Company in 1991 that I considered turning that passion into a career. From the moment I attended my first boat show and began working closely with marine electronics manufacturers, I was hooked. The energy of the industry, the innovative spirit, and the camaraderie among professionals made it clear this was where I belonged. It’ s a fun, fast-paced world with incredible opportunities for those willing to work hard, and I’ ve never looked back. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? One of my proudest achievements has been helping elevate the role of marketing and communications within the marine industry. As a founding member of Marine Marketers of America and an active participant in Boating Writers International, I’ ve spent over three decades championing strategic storytelling ― earning five Neptune Awards along the way.
Today, through my work at Gemeco Marine Electronics, I continue to connect people, products, and ideas ― bringing visibility to both innovative technology and the passionate professionals behind it. Helping shape how the marine industry tells its story is an honor I don’ t take for granted. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I want women to know they can shape a career that reflects both ambition and balance. After leading the rebranding from Raytheon to Raymarine, I left corporate life to start my own marketing firm so I could raise my kids while continuing to do meaningful work. That leap led to two decades of launching products, telling stories, and supporting some of the industry’ s most respected brands.
When I joined Gemeco full-time two years ago, it was because the opportunity felt like home ― it aligned with my values and purpose. Throughout my journey, mentors like Jennifer Matsis encouraged me to take risks and step into leadership. Now, I strive to do the same for others. If I can inspire even one woman to trust her instincts and know she belongs here, then I’ ve made a difference. What advice do you have for women starting their
careers in the marine industry? Be confident in what you bring to the table, even if you’ re the only woman at the table. Ask questions, stay curious, and never underestimate the value of hard work and preparation. Seek out mentors who will challenge you, support you, and help you grow. This is a dynamic, innovative industry with room for smart, driven women to make a real impact. Don’ t wait to be invited in – pull up a chair and get involved. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? When I’ m not on the water, you’ ll likely find me outdoors – hiking scenic trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, biking, or tending to my garden. I also have a dedicated yoga practice that helps keep me grounded and centered. Journaling is another passion of mine; it’ s where I reflect, recharge, and often find inspiration for both work and life.
ALANNA KEATING
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH, BOATUS FOUNDATION
Alanna Keating
Education: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management with a focus on Behavior Change and Education, University of Maryland Global Campus Years in the marine industry: 20 What first drew you to the marine industry? I was a BoatUS member when I saw a job opening at BoatUS Foundation in the Annapolis office. At the time, I was working for a bank and the idea of spending my day working with boaters seemed like a dream! My dad loved boating and some of my greatest memories are boat days with my family growing up. Being able to bring that to other people and help keep them safe on the water seemed like the perfect opportunity to love going to work every day. What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry? One of the biggest lessons I have learned working in the boating industry, and especially at BoatUS, is the ability to adapt. Being able to change course when opportunities( and challenges!) arise has been one of the greatest lessons and skills I’ ve been able to develop in my career.
Another would be the power of networking and collaboration. BoatUS Foundation has always been a small team but our partnerships with hundreds of organizations across the country have made every accomplishment possible. If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry, what would it be and why? Without a doubt, it would be BoatUS Foundation’ s Abandoned and Derelict Vessel( ADV) program and the Turning the Tide Summit. The challenges of ADVs, and specifically the lack of sustainable disposal solutions for fiberglass, have been a passion of mine for over 10 years. Finally seeing the needle being moved on these topics and the collaboration and diverse partnerships that are coming from the Turning the Tide Summit has been incredible to watch and be a part of. How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry? I hope that my passion for this industry and the work being done in safe and clean boating inspires other women to join us. There is so much opportunity to find your place in the industry and to make a lasting impact. There is incredible work being done within the industry in S. T. E. M., conservation, social marketing and more that need passionate people to drive change. What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry? Get out of your comfort zone. This is an industry where you can chart your own path and there are endless opportunities. Attend
www. boatingindustry. com june 2025
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