For the 10th consecutive year, Boating Industry is proud to recognize 40 exceptional young professionals shaping the future of the recreational boating industry. The 2026 40 Under 40 honorees represent leaders across the industry selected for their outstanding leadership, achievements and passion for boating. These individuals are driving the industry forward. Each year, we receive countless nominations and we carefully evaluate every submission to identify the top 40 rising stars.
MAGGI ADEY
MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER, AMERICAN BOAT & YACHT COUNCIL( ABYC)
What first drew you to
the marine industry? I have been either on, in or near the water my entire life. I grew up sailing on Chesapeake Bay with my family. My dad has also worked in the marine industry for, well, since I’ ve known him. I loved going to work with him on my days off from school. Volunteering for any weekend Boat Safety Check events. Tagging along for a day of flotation or ethanol use testing. You will still find sixyear-old me on the cover of a carbon monoxide warning pamphlet still passed out by the Coast Guard today. The marine industry has always felt like a second home. What was your first job? My first job was lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons at 16. I jumped around to a few pools in the summer to make sure I got a good tan and worked at the indoor pool in the winter. What accomplishments are you most proud of? I am extremely proud of my journey so far at ABYC. In January 2022 I started as the office administrator, shipping course study guides and doing other admin tasks around the office. I had a choice, to treat it like a job or a career move. I chose career move. Two years later, I was offered the position I am at now. In my new role, I have been able to focus on what I am passionate about, helping our members and educating people about who ABYC is, what we do, and why we are important. I also have a lot of travel opportunities, engaging with members and potential new members through working booths at various shows and conferences. My favorite part is getting to connect with members I have communicated with for years but have never met face to face. Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career? A key influence in my career is the President of ABYC, John Adey, my dad. I grew up with ABYC and the importance of boating safety drilled into my brain because of him. I grew up on and in the water because of him. How I conduct myself in day-to-day business came from watching and admiring his transparency, kindness and management style. I hope to be like him when I grow up!
As a young professional, what are the biggest challenges you’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them? Personally, my biggest challenge was networking. The marine industry is full of work relationships and friendships formed sometimes before I was even a thought. It can be a challenge to insert yourself into a conversation and introduce yourself. The young professional events can be intimidating as well when everyone sticks to their bubble of people. But sometimes, you just have to put yourself out there. It is a proud moment to walk into a room knowing little to no one. Then a year later at the same event, you feel like the mayor because you know people. Then getting to introduce yourself to newcomers, knowing you would have appreciated it if someone had done that for you. How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry? As Member Services Manager, I have made it my mission to engage the ABYC Student member population to help them gain their footing starting out in the marine industry. My hope is, through a new quarterly Student Newsletter and holding Young Professional events, ABYC can be a support system for these individuals and assist in forming lifelong industry connections. Our student members are the next generation and future of the marine industry and I want them to know that I am invested in their success. How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success? I take things one day at a time. I have a to-do list on my desk that I fill out every morning and check things off as I go. What boat did you learn to boat on? The family boat growing up was a 42-foot Irwin named Yankee Girl. I learned the concept of sailing on her. I learned how to really drive a boat on an 18-foot Center Console. Where is your favorite place to go boating? Most of my boating experience has been on the West River and Chesapeake Bay. If you can catch the wind right, you ride out of the West River, right toward Thomas Point lighthouse on one tack. Who was your hero as a child? John Wayne and my dad. What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies? I am a plant mom; my goal is to have a jungle in my office at ABYC headquarters in Annapolis and at home. I am also an avid reader; you will not catch me going anywhere without my Kindle! Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry? The marine industry is really one of the only places you can truly turn your passion into a career. You will meet some of the nicest, smartest and most interesting people ever. With a bonus of it being the only industry where taking a boat ride is considered work.
www. boatingindustry. com march 2026
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