July 5, 2023

MIATC Announces Board Members, Officers for 2023-24

STUART—As the marine industry continues to grow on the Treasure Coast, so does the need for industry professionals to represent local boaters and marine-related businesses.

“It’s exciting to see the association attracting such high-caliber people to our board. I’m particularly pleased with how much energy and passion each of our new board members brings with them,” Tom Whittington, President of the MIATC said.

“For the past 49 years, the association has supported the interests of our members and local boaters. We are now facing one of the most challenging issues our marine community has ever encountered with Brightline’s expansion set to dramatically increase rail activity across the St. Lucie River in Stuart. We’re depending on this group to help the association and our members safely navigate this issue and reach an equitable solution for all.”

Each year, MIATC asks association members to nominate individuals to serve on the board and those board members whose terms are expiring are given the opportunity to be re-elected or roll off. Elections take place in June, with results announced during the annual membership meeting later in the month.

New board members elected to serve two-year terms: Donald Spaeth; Freedom Boat Club - Fort Pierce; Hank Berry, Carpenter On-Board; Lauren Abbott, Oceanwide Electronics; and Lauren DeLuca, Safe Harbor Harborage Yacht Club

Board members re-elected to serve an additional two-year term: Butch Olsen, Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority; Sean Ebersold, Ebersold Boatworks; and Thomas O’Brien, Chapman Marine Supply

Board members elected to serve a one-year term as an officer: President, Tom Whittington, Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales; Vice President, Robert Mac Keen, Derecktor Ft. Pierce; Secretary, Dan Romence, Indiantown Marina; Treasurer, Sean Ebersold; Ebersold Boat Works; Senior Director, Janet Zimmerman, Florida Inland Navigation District; Senior Director, John Yudin, Guy Yudin & Foster

Board members continuing their term: Jill Marasa, Ashley Capital and John Sprague, JH Sprague Consulting

Each year, the president of the MIATC awards one board member for their exceptional efforts to support the association. This year's  President’s Award was given to Dan Romence for his contributions as chairman of the MIATC Bridge Committee.

“Dan has exhibited a true commitment to this association and our members by taking a lead role with the railroad bridge issue,” Whittington said. “It has been my pleasure working with someone as passionate about the marine industry as Dan and I’m pleased to present him with this award.”

The Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast is the only nonprofit marine trade organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and growing marine-related business and recreational boating interests in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties.

Established in 1974, MIATC keeps the public informed on important marine-related issues across the Treasure Coast by promoting boater safety; supporting workforce readiness within the marine industry; advocating for clean waterways, navigable passageways and ocean access; and policies supporting maritime interests.

As owner of the Stuart Boat Show (the region’s largest and most successful boat show), MIATC and its member businesses help drive an annual economic impact of more than $1.3 billion on the Treasure Coast. MIATC members range from family-run businesses and specialized tradespeople to yacht brokers and megayacht shipyards, who collectively make the Treasure Coast an ideal destination for boating.

For more information about MIATC, contact Justin Beard, Executive Director, at jbeard@miatc.org or 772-692-7599.