DEMA Announces Julie Anne Fabsik-Swarts as President & CEO

 **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.

DEMA Board of Directors to Meet this Week

DEMA’s Board of Directors will hold a virtual Board meeting on February 12, 2026, to discuss key initiatives, programs, and priorities designed to support the global diving industry and DEMA Members in the year ahead. 

The Board meeting will begin by voting to approve the “consent agenda,” a Robert’s Rules of Order device used to obtain “general consent” intended to expedite approval of routine items. The Board is provided all reports and other documents pertinent to the consent agenda in advance of the Board meeting. This allows Board Members to study the documents in detail prior to the meeting so that the Board can spend its limited meeting time discussing forward-thinking items, policy, and strategic issues that demand its attention.

For February’s meeting, consent agenda items include:

• November 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
• December 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
• Membership Update
• DEMA Show 2025 Sales Report
• DEMA Show 2026 Sales Report
• 2026 Committee Objectives
• 2025 YE Financial Update and Manufacturers Fund Recap 

After consent agenda items are discussed and voted on, the Board will review Anti-Trust Guidelines led by Amanda Washton, DEMA General Counsel, receive updates on the DEMA President & CEO search process, and discuss 2025 Board self-evaluations.

Legislative and advocacy efforts remain a key focus, with the Board receiving an update on the DIVE BOAT Act and related public policy initiatives impacting the dive industry.

The Board will also discuss Association governance and strategic priorities, including nominations committee information, DEMA Board priorities and programs for 2026, review of the proposed 2026 budget, and DEMA officer appointments and committee recommendations.

The video conference will conclude with the Board covering any new business or other agenda items that may require further discussion, and confirmation of 2026 Board meeting dates.

More information on DEMA’s Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on the DEMA website. Complete minutes from past Board of Directors Meetings are available to current DEMA Members from the Member Dashboard of www.dema.org.

DEMA Introduces 2026-2028 Board of Directors

The results of DEMA's 2026-2028 Board of Directors Election are in! Members of DEMA's 2026-2028 Board of Directors include the following individuals:

A1-Manufacturing

• Patrick Danko, Garmin*
• Mike Hollis, Pro Asia

A2-Diver Certification and Training Agencies

• Jeff Mondle, PADI Americas
• JoAnn (Haack) Perry, Divers Alert Network*

A3-Dive Publishing, Media, Consulting and Non-Retail Service Providers

• Jeff Cinciripino, Scuba Educational Alliance of Connecticut*
• Dan Orr, Dan Orr Consulting

A4-Retailers

• Patrick Hammer, Dive Right In Scuba, Inc.*
• Richard Thomas, International Scuba

A5-Travel & Resorts

• Jason Belport, Clearly Cayman Dive Resorts*
• Shana Phelan, Pura Vida Diver

*Elected in 2026

In accordance with the DEMA Bylaws, Directors serve three-year terms. Additional information on DEMA's Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on DEMA.org. The election was conducted by the CPA firm Gray, Proctor & McMannis, based in Newport Beach, CA. All A-category DEMA Members who had joined or renewed their DEMA Membership for 2026 by January 12, 2026, were eligible to vote in this election. The final vote count is available to DEMA Members who are logged in to the Members-Only Dashboard on DEMA.org.

Congratulations to all of DEMA's Directors! In the coming weeks, the Board will meet to conduct officer elections, form committees, and select individuals to chair them. Contact us at toll free (800) 862-DIVE (3483), (858) 616-6408, or info@dema.org if you have any questions or are interested in serving on one of the DEMA Board committees. Additional Committee information can be found online here. Thank you for your continued support!

Don’t Lose Your Early-Bird DEMA Member Rate for DEMA Show 2026

DEMA has extended the deadline to receive the DEMA Show 2026 early-bird exhibit space rate to February 9, 2026. Please remit your 20% exhibit space payment AND your DEMA membership dues payment by this day in order to retain the special $22.95/sq ft early-bird rate.

 

As a 2026 DEMA Show Exhibitor, by February 9, 2026, please:

 

1. Ensure your DEMA Membership is current for 2026 and that you have renewed at the appropriate Membership level for your exhibit space.
2. Remit your 20% liability deposit payment for exhibit space.

 

If Membership dues and the deposit payment are not received by close of business on February 9, 2026, then the exhibit space rate will increase in accordance with the second bullet point of Section A (to $23.95/sq ft, due no later than close of business September 21, 2026) and on the timeline set forth in Section 5. Please review your contract and invoice for complete details.

 

If you haven't done so already, please join/renew your DEMA Membership and remit your payment by the February 9th deadline.

 

If you need assistance joining/renewing your DEMA Membership, please contact Alicia Stone, DEMA Membership Manager, at (858) 616-6408 or alicia@dema.org.

 

If you need assistance with your Exhibitor Login, please contact Deneen Pratt with DEMA Show Event Services at (703) 706-8248 or dpratt@ntpevents.com.

Florida Dive in Day 2026 to Highlight Important Industry Issues

 

Each year, DEMA sponsors “Dive in Day” at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, giving DEMA Members the opportunity to visit our state’s Capitol, showcase their diving-related products and services, and promote issues relating to the scuba diving industry. We are excited to announce that this year’s Dive in Day at the Capitol will take place on February 19, 2026.  

Dive in Day provides a platform to engage Florida’s 160 legislators, the Governor and their staff members, and hundreds of visitors to the Capitol. DEMA has reserved the courtyard and first floor of the Capitol building to give DEMA Members and Florida-based diving businesses an opportunity to showcase Florida’s recreational diving operators. It’s an opportunity to showcase the significance of scuba diving to Florida’s economy, tourism, and marine ecosystems, while advocating for policies that support and sustain our industry.

Opportunities to Participate

1. Table-top Display at the Capitol Rotunda: We encourage members to set up interactive displays that showcase their dive shops, marine life education, or scuba diving experiences. If you are interested in exhibiting, we suggest you bring simple table-top displays, brochures, videos, product information, handouts, or other engaging materials to spark interest and conversation with lawmakers and the public.
   
   Exhibiting companies should plan to set up starting at 4:00 PM on February 18th so that your exhibit will be up and running on the morning of February 19th.* Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are large enough to accommodate an 8ft table. For DEMA members, this is a free opportunity to reach divers, legislators, and visitors to the Capitol! If you are not a DEMA Member, check with us on how to participate in this great opportunity!
   
   Weather permitting, exhibit space is also available outside the Capitol building on a first-come, first-served basis and will accommodate a larger display. Contact Melanie Leyva for more information: mleyva@lawfla.com or (850) 201-5224.
   
   *Please be sure to let us know as soon as possible if you want to set up on the 18th by contacting Melanie Leyva: mleyva@lawfla.com or (850) 201-5224.
   
   
2. Donate Bag Stuffer Items: If you cannot attend in person, you can still support Dive in Day by contributing items for our DEMA Bags. Giveaway items, merchandise, and informational materials are distributed to attendees and lawmakers to amplify awareness of the diving industry and DEMA’s legislative messaging.
   
   
3. Lobby with Us: For those interested in bringing attention to issues critical to the Industry in Florida, on request, DEMA will arrange a time for you to meet with your state Senator or Representative or their staff members and provide you with information that will help you discuss these important topics. You can take advantage of this opportunity and participate with DEMA’s Public Policy efforts in Florida by calling Melanie Leyva at (850) 201-5224 or by email at mleyva@lawfla.com.
   
   Meeting YOUR Representative or Senator can focus attention on a variety of issues that affect the scuba diving industry, such as ecotourism, the future of the goliath grouper, spiny lobster, lionfish environmental issues, and others. DEMA will also distribute relevant information to legislators (and Capitol visitors), which includes the size of the diving industry in Florida and its importance in jobs, tourism, and the economy, with a focus on the economic benefit of Florida dive businesses and the protection of sharks and their vital role in the marine ecosystem.

To RSVP or for more information about Dive in Day at the Capitol, please contact Melanie Leyva at mleyva@lawfla.com or call (850) 201-5224. Whether you plan to exhibit, donate, or join us in lobbying efforts, your participation is invaluable. We look forward to seeing you at Dive in Day!

DEMA Announces Interim CEO & President as Executive Search Continues

 **Nicole Russell Appointed to Lead Association During Ongoing CEO Search**

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) today shared an update on its executive leadership transition. While the search for the Association’s next President & CEO continues, the DEMA Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Nicole Russell, CEM, as Interim CEO & President, effective immediately.

The Board remains committed to a thorough and thoughtful selection process for DEMA’s next President & CEO, as originally announced in October 2025. The appointed Search Committee is reviewing and meeting with qualified candidates and the Board expects to identify an outstanding leader who will guide DEMA into its next chapter.

In the meantime, Nicole Russell, most recently serving as Vice President, Operations, will lead the Association’s daily operations and strategic initiatives as Interim President & CEO. Russell brings deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and strong operational expertise to this role, ensuring continuity and stability across DEMA’s member services and industry support programs.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are confident in Nicole’s ability to lead the organization during this transitional period,” said Dan Orr, Board Chair of DEMA. “Her deep understanding of our mission, coupled with her commitment to the diving industry and our members, makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead the Association while the search for our next President & CEO continues.”

Russell added, “I am honored to serve as Interim CEO & President during this important time for DEMA. Our focus remains on delivering value to members, supporting our industry partners, and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”

The Board will continue its executive search process and plans to share further updates with the industry as they become available.

Ben Collins Honored as DEMA’s 2025 Wave Makers Award Recipient

 **Announcement Made at the 2025 DEMA Member Update and Annual Meeting**

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association is pleased to announce that Ben Collins is the 2025 recipient of DEMA’s Wave Makers Award. The announcement was made at the DEMA Member Update and Annual Meeting on November 12, 2025.

The Wave Makers Award was first introduced in 2017 and aims to recognize professionals who have been working in the industry for five years or less and have made a significant contribution to the industry during that time. The Wave Makers Award encourages the Industry to support a culture that fosters innovative thinking and encourages engagement with the association and industry by new professionals.

The finalists for the 2025 Wave Makers Award included:

• Ben Collins, Garmin
• Viviana Marcy, International Training, Inc
• Suzanne Tucci, Jr Scientists in the Sea

2025 DEMA Members selected Ben Collins as the 2025 Award recipient by viewing and voting for the finalist of their choice, based on the biographies and short videos that the finalists submitted.

Ben Collins has rapidly emerged as an innovator whose work is reshaping the future of dive technology. As Senior Product Manager for Garmin’s dive category, he has led the development of safety-driven, performance-enhancing tools that blend intuitive design with deep personal diving experience. In under five years, Ben has guided strategy for breakthrough technologies—from diver-to-diver messaging and enhanced surface visibility tools to integrated satellite emergency communication and eco-forward product design using recycled ocean-bound plastics. His leadership has advanced apnea training, improved coordination underwater, and expanded accessibility for both new and experienced divers.

Beyond his contributions at Garmin, Ben brings more than 25 years of scuba experience and a world-class athletic background, shaped by his career as a professional triathlete and long-time member of Team USA. His roles as a Paralympic guide and cycling pilot reflect the same precision, resilience, and user-focused mindset that define his approach to product innovation. Ben’s work consistently elevates divers as explorers and stewards, reinforcing a vision of safer, smarter, and more inclusive diving for all.

DEMA congratulates Ben Collins for his hard work and passionate service to our Industry and looks forward to seeing the contributions he will continue to make throughout his career.