Advocate for outdoor recreation industry will succeed retiring Thom Dammrich

Hugelmeyer

Frank Hugelmeyer will be the next president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, his third chief executive role. Hugelmeyer has been president of the RV Industry Association since 2015. Previously, he was CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association for 14 years.

Thom Dammrich, who has headed up NMMA for 20 years, announced his impending retirement last year. After a transition period beginning in July, Hugelmeyer will take over as NMMA president Oct. 1.

"Our goal coming in is to continue to grow boating, elevate advocacy, and address technical workforce recruiting into the industry," Hugelmeyer told CEO Update.

Hugelmeyer is a prominent figure in advocacy for outdoor-focused trade groups and other organizations. He is a co-founding board member and current vice chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Dammrich is chair.

NMMA listed among Hugelmeyer's achievements at RVIA "a focus on market development and strengthening of the industry-wide consumer campaign, Go RVing," and advocacy on the international, federal and state levels.

"We conducted a thorough search over the last year to find the right person for this important leadership role for the marine industry and Frank's tenure in outdoor recreation-related industry associations was unparalleled," Bill Watters, former NMMA chairman and president of Syntec Industries, who led the search committee for the next president, said in a statement.

Recruiting firm Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.

NMMA reported annual revenue of $60 million. The group is headquartered in Chicago and produces boat and sport shows across the U.S.