Executive Director & CEO
Juliene Hefter
Leading national safety efforts by building key partnerships, collaborations, and securing funding for vital water safety programs.
Our Dedicated Staff
Meet the passionate experts leading our global mission
Assistant Director
Kirsten Barnes
Leading AOAPs' education and training programs to ensure high standards in drowning prevention education.
Deputy Director
Mark Basnight
Providing support for all of our vendors and is tasked with working to invites exhibitors to our conference.
Operations Manager
Maria AndersEn
Handles our daily tasks, membership processing, event assistance, and our AOAP Weekly Newsletter.
President
joey laneve
Joey LaNeve provides leadership to guide the Association of Aquatic Professionals' mission and strategy. As the youngest member of the board, Joey brings fresh perspectives and helps align the board with the future of the aquatics industry
Treasurer
mand graff
Manda Groff manages our budget with care, ensuring every dollar is used wisely to support our goals, mission, programs, & community drowning prevention efforts. A reliable, detail-oriented, and dedicated professional with a passion for drowning prevention, Manda brings expertise in aquatic safety initiatives, program development, and an unwavering commitment to advancing education. Professionals.
Volunteer Board of Directors
Past President
Donita Grinde-Houtman
Donita Grinde Houtman, as our Past President, ensures consistency throughout the years as well as providing assistance with various on-going projects.
Secretary
ashley ingram
Ashley Ingram manages the Board’s essential documentation and streamlines communication to keep our leadership organized, informed, and effective.
President Elect
gwen willcox
Supporting our President, the President Elect helps prepare future Board leaders and ensures our mission to prevent drowning stays on track for years to come.
Board Member
cory hilderbrand
Cory brings over 30 years of facility management and leadership skills to the Board. Through these skill sets, Cory helps ensure AOAP continues to offer training opportunities that help our members grow personally and professionally.
Board Member
helena machAdo
Having worked in various aspects for the Aquatics industry for over 4 decades, Helena brings a balanced perspective to the needs and wants of our members, aiding AOAP in meeting our stakeholders expectation.
Board Member
sj idel
SJ brings hands-on experience from building and leading training programs with a focus on what actually works on deck and in real emergency situations.
Board Member
tammy jaster
Offers insight in teaching, mentoring future professionals, promoting inclusivity for the Special Needs community, and advancing safety in, on, and around the water
Board Member
alan mogridge
With a background in aquatic safety, risk management, and youth protection, Alan brings strategic expertise and practical guidance to strengthen drowning prevention and organizational safety across the profession.
Board Member
kevin goodrich
Kevin brings
Board Member
stephane rebeck
A creative problem solver, innovator, and community builder, Stephané brings perspective from varied and diverse aquatic environments, including those traditionally unsupervised.
BOARD MEMBER
Lyncee brings a fresh perspective to the board through her passion for member engagement, and enthusiasm for creating a more fun, active, and approachable AOAP presence through social media and outreach.
Board Member
(Ex Officio)
Bob contributes over three decades of hands-on aquatics technical expertise, strengthening the Board’s ability to keep science and technology precise, practical, and impactful.
lyncee bowman
bob kappel
BOARD MEMBER EMERITUS
Craig was the glue that held us all together. He will forever be missed and be included as a lifetime emeritus board member. In honorarium to our friend and colleague.
Board Member
(Ex Officio)
Kate brings a unique cross-industry perspective from municipal recreation, private aquatics, and the for-profit vendor space, helping bridge communication, equity, and operational realities across the aquatic industry.
CRAIG MERKEY
kate connell
Board Member
(Ex Officio)
nathalie martin
She provides directions to the research committee.
Leadership
Working Together for Water Safety
Our professional Staff manages the daily work of the Association of Aquatic Professionals, while our volunteer Board of Directors provides the long-term vision and strategy. Together, they lead our efforts to prevent drowning by building powerful programs, supporting our members, and advocating for water safety across the globe.
Get in Touch with Our Leadership
Whether you're a partner looking to collaborate or a community member with questions about drowning prevention programs, our staff and board are here to help. Reach out to the team leading AOAP's mission.
Email:
Phone:
info@aquaticpros.org
(262) 894-9772
Connect with AOAP Leadership