DEMA Opens Search for Next President & CEO

 **Applications now being accepted for the position beginning early in 2026**  

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) has announced the opening of its search for a new President and Chief Executive Officer, with the selected candidate expected to assume the role in early 2026. This leadership transition follows the upcoming retirement of Tom Ingram, DEMA’s long-time President and CEO, who will step down at the end of 2025 after more than two decades of distinguished service to the Association and the diving industry.

Under Ingram’s leadership, DEMA has evolved into a true trade association dedicated to advancing the diving industry worldwide. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including the continued growth and success of DEMA Show™, the expansion of meaningful industry research and marketing programs, and impactful legislative advocacy supporting dive professionals and businesses across the globe.

“Tom’s steady leadership and unwavering commitment have strengthened DEMA and positioned the organization for a vibrant future,” said Dan Orr, DEMA Board Chair. “We’re seeking a visionary leader who can continue this legacy—someone with the strategic insight, industry passion, and collaborative spirit to guide DEMA and the diving community forward.”

The DEMA Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee to oversee the recruitment process and ensure a smooth leadership transition. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter expressing interest, resume, and additional materials by 11:59 PM Pacific time, November 24, 2025, with applications submitted to this secure Dropbox.

Ideal candidates will have expertise in the diving industry along with experience in non-profit trade associations, government relations and advocacy, business research, and convention/trade show leadership. Click here for full position details.

🌊 Voting for the 2025 Wave Makers Award is Now Open!

 

Voting for the 2025 Wave Makers Award is now open to DEMA Members! This award recognizes up-and-coming professionals who have been working in the diving industry for five years or less and have already made a significant impact. Your vote helps celebrate the next generation of leaders shaping the future of diving—so take a moment to make your voice heard! 🗳️ Vote now and help shine a spotlight on the industry’s rising stars. Voting closes at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on November 7, 2025.

CAST YOUR VOTE

Please note: You'll need to log in using your 2025 DEMA Member username and password in order to vote.

Tom Ingram, DEMA President and CEO, Announces Retirement

Tom Ingram, long-time President and CEO, has announced his retirement from the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA). Under Ingram’s leadership, DEMA has evolved into a true trade association for the diving industry—one that not only continues to grow DEMA Show™ but also delivers meaningful industry research, impactful marketing benefits and communication programs, and strong legislative advocacy that helps the industry. He also played a key role in bringing stakeholders across the industry together to grow the diving industry worldwide. “It has been my privilege and honor to be part of DEMA and this industry,” said Ingram. “I have so many to thank for the opportunity to serve in this position—the DEMA Board of Directors, the volunteer leadership and committee members, the professional DEMA staff, the DEMA Show™ Management team, and of course the DEMA Members.” “During my 23 years at DEMA, I have been proud of the work the DEMA Staff and Board have accomplished together, including overcoming economic downturns such as the challenges of COVID-19. I expect this trajectory will continue, and I look forward to watching the organization’s continued success in the years ahead.” “Tom Ingram has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience in the diving industry to the position of DEMA President/CEO that has benefited both the diving consumer and the industry stakeholders. The DEMA Board of Directors is committed to finding a replacement for Tom that will continue to work with all industry stakeholder groups to focus on industry growth and the mission of DEMA,” Dan Orr, DEMA Board Chair. Ingram will step down as President and CEO at the end of 2025. The DEMA Board has chartered a Search Committee and will begin the search to fill this position in the coming weeks. During this transition, Ingram will work closely with the Board and DEMA Staff to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. As more information becomes available, it will be found at www.dema.org.

Slate Announced for 2026-2028 Board of Directors Election

 **Write-in Candidates must be submitted to DEMA no later than 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on September 8, 2025**

DEMA is proud to announce the candidates for the upcoming 2026–2028 Board of Directors election. These dedicated professionals represent a wide range of expertise and experience across the diving industry. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to advancing the goals of DEMA and supporting the global dive community.

The candidates for the 2026-2028 DEMA Board of Directors are: 

CATEGORY A1
Manufacturers, Distributors and Affiliated Field/Sales Representatives:

• Patrick Danko, Garmin
• Richard Vaughn, Shearwater

CATEGORY A2
Diver Certification and Training Agencies, and Affiliated Field/Sales Representative:

• Sabatino Bianco, RAID USA
• Jim Gunderson, Scuba Educators International
• JoAnn (Haack) Perry, Divers Alert Network

CATEGORY A3
Dive Publishing, Media, Dive Industry Consulting, Associations & Non-Retail Service Providers:

• Jeffrey Bozanic, Next Generation Services
• Jeff Cinciripino, Scuba Educational Alliance of Connecticut
• Peter Symes, AquaScope Media

CATEGORY A4
Retail Distribution of Diving Goods & Services

• Brooke Speedy, Leaird’s Underwater Service

CATEGORY A5
Dive Travel Provider or Resort

• Jason Belport, Clearly Cayman Dive Resorts

DEMA Members interested in running in the 2026-2028 Board election can still be included on the ballot by becoming write-in candidates. For further details and deadline information, interested Members should complete the Board Election Write-In Nominee Request. Write-in Candidates must be submitted to DEMA no later than 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on September 8, 2025.

NOTE: Write-in candidates and those petitioning for them must be current 2025 DEMA Members AND must be renewed for 2026 by the date of record for the election.

Voting will take place from 11/11/25 to 1/26/26. To be eligible to vote, you must be a 2026 DEMA Member by 1/12/26.

For membership information, please contact membership@dema.org or (858) 616-6408. In accordance with the DEMA Bylaws, Directors serve three-year terms. More information on DEMA's Board of Directors and Bylaws is available on DEMA.org.

Nominate a Rockstar Employee for the 2025 Wave Makers Award

DEMA is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Wave Makers Award. These annual awards recognize new professionals in the diving industry who are rising to the top and making a difference in our industry. 

 
Nominations for the Wave Makers Award are being accepted until Monday, August 4, 2025.
 
Honorees will be recognized at the Annual Membership Meeting taking place on November 12, 2025 during DEMA Show 2025 in Orlando, FL.
 
Learn more, check out our past recipients, and submit a nomination!

LEARN MORE & NOMINATE 

Introducing the DEMA Neighborhood Brief: Know Your Market. Grow Your Business.

 

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) is proud to announce the launch of a powerful new member benefit: the Neighborhood Brief, an individualized, business-specific market insight report designed to help brick-and-mortar dive retailers and travel stores in the United States understand their local customer base and grow their business more strategically.

Available at no cost to A4 and A5 DEMA Members in the U.S. who join or renew by August 15, 2025, the Neighborhood Brief delivers data about consumers who live nearby the dive operation, including demographics and behaviors, giving dive professionals the information they need to better target their marketing and outreach efforts.

“Knowing your market is key to reaching the right customers and maximizing business impact,” said Tom Ingram, President & CEO of DEMA. “The Neighborhood Brief empowers dive operators to make data-driven decisions based on who’s most likely to be interested in diving in their specific geographic area.”

Each individualized report includes detailed insights based on the business's primary physical  location (street address and ZIP code), helping retailers:

• Identify where the most likely dive consumers live
• Focus marketing campaigns and community outreach efforts
• Align messaging with local demographics and behaviors
• Make strategic decisions about growth and development
• No additional steps are required for eligible U.S. Members to receive this benefit.

Neighborhood Briefs will be delivered automatically via email in the order in which 2025 DEMA Membership is established.

To help dive professionals understand how to use the report, DEMA has released a short, on-demand webinar featuring Ingram. Viewers will learn how to interpret the Brief and apply its insights in real-world marketing and business strategies. Non-Members can view the webinar here, and current DEMA Members can log in to their account and access the video directly.

DEMA encourages non-members in the U.S. to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity by learning more about the benefits of becoming a DEMA Member and joining by August 15, 2025. The Neighborhood Brief is just one of many exclusive benefits that membership provides to support the growth and success of dive industry professionals.

Nominate a Dive Business Making a Difference for the 2025 Diving Community Champion

DEMA is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Diving Community Champions Award. These annual awards recognize the good works of DEMA-Member companies and showcase their work that uses recreational diving to help their community. All DEMA-Member companies are eligible to submit a nomination to recognize other DEMA Members.

Honorees will be recognized at the Annual Membership Meeting taking place on November 12, 2025 during DEMA Show 2025 in Orlando, FL.

Nominations for the Diving Community Champion Awards are being accepted until July 7, 2025.

Learn more, check out our past recipients, and submit a nomination!

LEARN MORE