Fostering B2B editorial excellence
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Gee | dgee @ epgacceleration. com
MANAGING EDITOR Krystina Skibo | kskibo @ epgacceleration. com
TOP 100 PROGRAM DIRECTOR Adam Quandt | aquandt @ epgacceleration. com
ART DIRECTOR Lindsay Zigan Peterson | lzigan @ epgacceleration. com
The Women Propelling Boating Forward
When I first began my association with this magazine over six years ago, I remember reading through the list of Women Making Waves nominees for the first time. There were a couple of dealer principals, certainly several in executive leadership positions, but only one engineer. The rest were in marketing or at least marketing adjacent roles.
That mix has changed every year since then, and this year continues that progress. The honorees come from every corner of the business. They lead manufacturers, dealerships and industry associations. They work in sales, operations, finance, product development, workforce development and customer experience as well as marketing and engineering. Their titles and responsibilities differ, but they share a common trait: They are not waiting for the industry’ s future to arrive. They are helping create it.
That is what Boating Industry’ s Women Making Waves program has celebrated since its inception. Now entering its ninth year in 2026, the program recognizes women whose leadership, ingenuity and commitment are helping propel the recreational boating industry forward.
Some are guiding established companies through periods of transformation. Others are introducing new products, technologies and business models. Many are developing talent, mentoring younger colleagues and creating more inclusive workplaces. Still others are strengthening the connection between the industry and the people it serves.
Their influence extends beyond their individual organizations. When one leader improves a process, challenges convention or develops a better way to serve customers, the benefits can ripple across the industry. When she opens a door for someone following behind her, the effect can last for generations.
Perhaps a time will come when programs such as Women Making Waves are no longer necessary, when recognizing women separately feels archaic and outdated because equal opportunity, representation and advancement have become routine throughout every level of the marine industry. We are not there yet. Women remain underrepresented in many leadership and technical roles, which makes visibility important. Recognition does more than celebrate past achievement. It shows other women what is possible. It gives organizations examples of leadership worth following. And it reminds all of us that the industry becomes stronger when it draws from the broadest possible range of experience, ideas and talent.
The women featured in this issue are not simply making waves because they are women. They are making an impact because they are exceptional leaders, innovators, mentors and professionals. They are helping recreational boating evolve, compete and grow. And in doing so, they are charting a course that others will be proud to follow.
Please join us in congratulating the new class of 2026 Women Making Waves honorees. We know you will enjoy reading their stories.
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4 june 2026 www. boatingindustry. com