Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) Chief Executive Officer Bill Oakerson announced today that BoatUS President Jim Ellis has decided to step down and retire at the end of the year after nearly a quarter century with the recreational boat owners’ advocacy group. Ellis will remain as a member of the board for the Association as well as a board member of the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, a sister organization that focuses on safe boating and environmental issues. Nancy Michelman, former BoatUS Senior Vice President of Membership, succeeds Ellis.

“It is with admiration for his contributions, sadness for his departure, and some degree of jealousy for having time to enjoy his passion for boating that I have accepted Jim's decision to step down,” said Oakerson.

Ellis was named President of the Association in 2003, after holding the title of President of the BoatUS Foundation and building the non-profit into one of boating’s biggest safety and environmental advocates. “It is much to Jim's personal credit that our organization is nationally recognized and a leader of on-the-water safety and clean water programs,” added Oakerson. 

Over the years Ellis' expertise in both power and sail boats and executive leadership have been instrumental in establishing initiatives like the BoatU.S. Cooperating Marina Program, a marina marketing and member discount program. Additionally, his leadership extended outside to key roles -- he was chair of the National Safe Boating Council and president of the American Boat Yacht Council, and served as a board member of the Recreation Boating and Fishing Foundation. The National Safe Boating Council also inducted Ellis into the Boating Safety Hall of Fame in 2004.

“After 24 years of representing and serving recreational boaters I feel very good about my accomplishments and the role I have fulfilled,” said Ellis. In commenting about the organization’s future he said, “We have a great team in place and I fully expect that the organization will continue to gain strength and grow.”

Ellis and his wife, Lori, will continue to reside in Annapolis, MD, but have extensive cruising plans aboard their trawler, Seaworthy.