**Veteran association executive brings 35+ years of leadership and conference growth expertise to the diving industry**
The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Julie Anne Fabsik-Swarts, MS, CFRE, CAP, CEAP, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2026.
Fabsik-Swarts succeeds Tom Ingram, who retired at the end of 2025 after more than two decades of leadership and service to the diving industry.
“After a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board is confident that Julie is the right leader to guide DEMA forward,” said Dan Orr, Chair of the DEMA Board of Directors. “With a strong track record of leadership and a clear vision for the future, she brings valuable perspective and experience that will help strengthen and grow the association and the industry it serves.”
The appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by a Board-appointed Search Committee. Fabsik-Swarts was selected for her leadership experience, strategic mindset, and ability to drive growth and innovation within Member-driven organizations.
Fabsik-Swarts brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across multiple national and international associations. Most recently, she has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association International, where she led global operations spanning 40 countries. During her tenure, she transformed a prolonged period of conference losses into consistent six-figure profitability, significantly increased attendance and revenue, and grew membership by 400% through strategic outreach and program development.
Her background includes extensive experience in conference and expo production, exhibitor and sponsor relations, membership development, marketing, advocacy, and financial management. She has successfully led strategic planning initiatives, strengthened governance practices, expanded international programs, and built high-performing teams across multiple organizations. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Center for SafeSport and is a national-level women’s gymnastics judge officiating for USA Gymnastics and the NCAA.
In addition to her executive leadership experience, Fabsik-Swarts brings a personal connection to the diving community as a NAUI Master Diver with more than 28 years of recreational diving experience and over 1,000 dives.
“I’m honored to join DEMA and to have the opportunity to serve an industry with such a strong sense of community and purpose,” said Fabsik-Swarts. “I look forward to working closely with the Board, staff, and Members to build on the organization’s strong foundation and to explore new opportunities that support business growth and long-term success across the industry.”
As DEMA looks ahead, key priorities will include supporting dive businesses through data-driven programs, marketing resources, and advocacy; strengthening Member engagement and industry collaboration; continuing to evolve DEMA Show as a central hub for connection, product discovery, and business growth; and identifying new opportunities to expand the industry and attract new participants.
The DEMA Show Hotel Block is officially open! Start planning for the Show by booking your room reservation in the DEMA Show Hotel Block, featuring exclusive exhibitor and attendee rates and benefits.