Meet the BoatUS Foundation Crew

Chris Edmonston

President

I grew up just south of Annapolis, and have been boating my whole life. I've owned and operated just about every type of boat imaginable—my favorite boat is whichever boat that can get me on the water. I've been at BoatUS for over 20 years, and have been in the marine industry for nearly 30 years. I love boating so much that I don't think I've worked a day out of those 30 years.

At the Foundation, I work with the staff on any and all projects, and I work a great deal with our external partners to promote safe and clean boating, and boating in general.

Amanda Suttles Pérez

Director of Education

As the Director of Education, I oversee all of the online learning systems for BoatUS Foundation from the software that hosts the courses to the team that develops new ones. It's that variety that I like most about working at the Foundation. We impact boaters from all over with our courses to make them safer and more confident on the water.

I've been with the BoatUS Foundation since August 2006 and I have worked in marketing, public relations and sales in the boating industry since I graduate college. I've never had more fun than working in boating. I have a B.A. in Mass Communications and a M.A.L.A.

I've been a boater since I was 6 years old and grew up boating with my family in a 19ft ski boat on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Today I get out on the water in my brother's 37ft sailboat in Annapolis or my kayak on the Magothy River.

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

As the Outreach Manager for BoatUS Foundation, I manage several of our partnership programs such as the Grassroots Grants Program and Life Jacket Loaner Program. I also oversee the Foundation's social media presence with the help of all Foundation staff. 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 in 2005. 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 Administrator

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.

Alan Dennison

Program Manager

As the Program Manager for the BoatUS On-Water Training program, my responsibilities include sourcing and onboarding new training partners, refining processes, and working with our marketing team to promote our training product and the BoatUS Foundation. My educational background is fairly diverse as I have a degree in Visual Arts from Penn State University and a Masters in Business Administration from University of Maryland University College.

Boating is something that was introduced to me at a very young age on my father’s sailboat in Barnegat, NJ and countless fishing trips with him, my Grandfather, and Uncle in Maine. Today, I try to get out on the Chesapeake Bay to fish or cruise with my family as much as possible.

Dana Bowers

Marketing Coordinator

As a Program Coordinator for the BoatUS Foundation, my responsibilities include coordinating the Foundation’s marketing, managing our social media accounts, and assisting with fundraising. I started at the Foundation as a Marketing Intern in May 2016 before I began working full time in October 2016. I graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration with a certificate in Marketing.

Ever since I can remember, boating has been a part of my life. I grew up fishing on my cousin’s charter boats and water skiing with my dad. I now spend the better part of my summers on my brother’s boat in Annapolis, MD enjoying the water!

Martha Sunderland

Bookkeeper

In June 2016, I came on board as the Foundation’s part-time bookkeeper. The past five months have been filled with learning about the great works of the Foundation. I come from an accounting background at an educational institution and as a boater I am thrilled to be able to use my accounting knowledge to support boater education.

I have been a boater for forty years and in the winter 2015-2016, I took my boat down the ICW to Florida. When I returned from my trip I realized that I missed working and found a great job with a mission that I fully believe in with the BoatU.S. Foundation.

Devon Lawlor

3D Interactive Designer

As the 3D Interactive Designer, I am responsible for creating 3D digital art as well as working with a team to help teach clean, safe boating. I graduated from a trade school called the DAVE School.

I grew up in a small sailing town in Massachusetts and have always had boating in my life. With friends and family, I have a lot of happy memories on the water from water skiing to fishing.