Meet the BoatUS Foundation Crew

Heather Lougheed

President

I started boating as a youngster, learning how to waterski from my Uncle Phil who lived in Merritt Island, FL. That uncle was a BoatUS member – who shared with me his love of boating. Since then I’ve owned powerboats, kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and sailboats, enjoying them all. I attended the College of Charleston, SC where I received a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences in Business Administration. I have worked at BoatUS for over 20 years and newly with the Foundation to support the team collectively. I’m excited to help the Foundation continue to offer innovative and impactful boating safety and clean water programs that resonate with boaters, address important needs, and help us grow into the future.

Ted Sensenbrenner

Director of Development

My primary responsibility is to raise funds to support the Foundation's many unique programs. BoatUS Members are our main source of donations and we communicate with them throughout the year to educate them on the impact of their generosity and encourage their support. Our annual Greeting Card Program, Emergency Beacon Rental Program and Boat Donation Program also fall under my direction.

I head up our product testing series, Foundation Findings, and am one of the Trailering and Watersports Experts for BoatUS and Trailering Magazine. My education background is in Psychology and I have a Masters in Business Administration. I've been boating most of my life, am fascinated by anything America's Cup and prior to working at BoatUS I was a professional sailor on the ocean-going maxi yacht racing circuit on a boat called "Mischievous."

Alanna Keating

Director of Outreach

I started with BoatUS Foundation as a Program Assistant in 2005 and am now the Director of Outreach. In my time at the Foundation I've been privileged to work on nearly every program we have offered and partners with thousands of organizations to make boating better. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from the University of Maryland University College but have worked extensively on both safe and clean boating programs since I started with the Foundation. From abandoned and derelict vessels to the only free online boating safety course I love being able to make an impact on safe and sustainable boating. I can't think of a more enjoyable job than working with boaters every day!

I grew up boating on the Chesapeake Bay and the Little River in South Carolina. From powerboats to kayaks, I love all kinds of boating. My favorite thing about boating is being able to spend quality time with family and friends exploring our nation's waterways.

Lynne O'Hearn

Program Manager

I have been with the BoatUS Foundation since December 2010. As a lifelong boater, when this opportunity appeared, I knew it would be a great fit for me. As a project administrator, I wear many hats at the Foundation. I provide support to our numerous online students who call me regarding state boating regulations. In addition, I generate certificates of completion and troubleshoot user issues. Reel In & Recycle monofilament recycling program, EPIRB/PLB rental program and Life Jacket Loaner program are a few of the projects I help manage for the Foundation.

Alison Trimble

Director of Operations

I was raised in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and started boating at a young age. Growing up on Lake Minnetonka, we always had a pontoon boat and runabout at the ready. Along with waterskiing and cruising the Big Rounds, family activities were closely tied to the water and still are. I moved to the Washington DC area to represent the Governor and was pleased to serve the State of Minnesota for eight years focusing on education and environmental issues. While ‘out East’ I married a sailboater and am now the proud owner/operator of a Catalina 22’ which we sail on the Chesapeake Bay out of Galesville, MD. The issues of boating safety and clean waterways are lifelong passions, and the work of the BoatUS Foundation is critical to keeping our natural environment clean and safe for our use now and for future generations.

Michael Moore

Program Manager

As a Program Manager, I collaborate with the Foundation Team to develop and implement boating safety and environmental projects and initiatives that are in line with the organization’s mission and goals to include the daily aspects of the ADV removal program, marine debris removal, as well as other environmental programs as they pertain to the organization. I possess a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with concentrations in Barrier Island Ecology and Horticulture from Christopher Newport University. Prior to working with BoatUS Foundation, I worked for the City of Virginia Beach for 18 years in roles such as Sustainability Coordinator at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Environmental Programs Coordinator, Open Space and Natural Resources Manager, and Horticulturalist for the Parks & Recreation Department. I grew up on or near some type of water and many of my earliest memories involve being outside doing something in some type of waterbody, especially the ocean. Most of my time is happily spent with my family, between surfing, fishing, swimming, and many other outdoor activities, in or around Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Tiffany Gonzalez

Boat Philanthropic Foundation Administrator

Tiffany Joined BoatUS Foundation in October 2025. With a background in project management and program support across federal and government contracting sectors, she brings a strong focus on organization, communication, and collaborative problem-solving to the Foundation. As a project administrator, Tiffany helps manage upcoming grant funded initiatives, coordinates with partner organizations and supports efforts that promote safe and responsible boating-such as the Life Jacket Loaner Stations initiative and the Right Whale Vessel Strike avoidance project.

Zainab Shaikh

Applications Systems Analyst

As a Systems Analyst, I help power boating safety programs behind the scenes by managing data and supporting web development. With a strong technical perspective, I assist programming efforts by building and maintaining systems that keep information accessible and useful. I strive to help in our mission of reaching all kinds of boaters and making boating safer for everyone.