The National Sailing Hall of Fame announced today that its Board of Directors has elected a new leadership team to guide the organization as it begins operations at its new home in the Newport Armory building. The new slate, all directors of the NSHOF, will assume their roles immediately.
The members of the new team are:
Gus Carlson, the New York media and communications executive, and offshore racing sailor, is President.
Tom Whidden, America’s Cup winner and CEO of North Technology Group, is Vice President.
Phil Lotz, Past Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, IC 37 class president, and American Magic America’s Cup campaign Board member, is Treasurer.
Doug Lashley, the Maryland-based banking and ecosystems services executive recognized nationally for his environmental restoration work, is Secretary.
In announcing the new team, outgoing NSHOF President and Nominating Committee Chair, Gary Jobson, said: “Over the years, these directors have demonstrated dedication to the NSHOF and its mission to celebrate the heroes of our sport. We are confident they have the capabilities, contacts and commitment to lead our organization through its next chapter, and we thank them for stepping up.”
Mr. Jobson, who has been NSHOF President since 2012, will remain on the Board of Directors. “I am honored to lead such a capable team at this pivotal time in our organization’s history,” Mr. Carlson said. “We have an ambitious plan and an exciting new home in Newport that will become a showcase for our heroes and our sport. We have a lot of work to do, and we are eager to get to it.”
Mr. Carlson said among the operational priorities are renovating and outfitting the Newport Armory building, developing a more dynamic digital presence to engage a broader and more diverse audience, and organizing this year’s Induction ceremony scheduled for October 12 at the Seattle Yacht Club.
“On behalf of the team, I want to thank Gary for his inspiring leadership, especially in the last two years as we transitioned to Newport,” Mr. Carlson added. “We are also grateful to the City of Newport, the State of Rhode Island and the entire sailing community for their support. We look forward to building on those partnerships and making new ones.”
The NSHOF closed on the purchase of the Newport Armory building earlier this month and also received a $200,000 grant from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation.
