The Young Leader Award recognizes young professionals under 40 who have made significant contributions to the marina and boatyard industry and collectively promise to play a big role in shaping its future.

We look for nominees representing the broad range of employment opportunities in the industry. Awards are given to young marina and boatyard owners, managers and staff; marina consultants, engineers or other professional service providers; manufacturers and suppliers of marina and boatyard products, or other professions that rely on the marina and boatyard industry for their businesses.

View the complete listing of 2023 honorees below.

Bill Brandon
Vice President
Washburn’s Boat Yard

Trevor Bryant
Parts Distribution and Logistics Manager
Poly Lift Boat Lifts

Matt Delaney
Boat Yard Supervisor
Brunswick Landing Marina

Leigh Diemert
General Manager
Oasis Marinas

E Edens
Harbormaster
St. John’s Yacht Harbor

Alexander Gershowitz
General Manager
Sam’s Star Island Yacht Club

Celina Silva Heindl
Office Manager/Events Coordinator
PORT 32 Jacksonville

Ryan Hinely
Vice President
Bluewater Bay Marina Complex

Robert Hodovanich
Dockmaster and Owner
River Harbour Marina

Alyssa Jones
Marketing Manager
Molo/Stellar

Brittany Joslin
Office Manager
Dock and Marina Services

Alejandra Lira-Pantoja
Coastal Engineering Specialist
Edgewater Resources, LLC

Destinee Perdue
Vice President of Marine Operations
HarborWalk Marina

Will Richards
Regional Project Manager
Safe Harbor Marinas

Michael Ruffolo
Senior Engineer
Dockhand Services, LLC

Rob Schnabel
Business Development Manager
Oasis Marinas

Haley Sheehan
General Manager
Loggerhead – The Boathouse Marina

Andrew Vaughan
Eagle Floats/EPS Sales/Company Development,
Eagle Floats by Hendren Plastics