NASBLA announces the 2023 Regional Boating Educators of the Year
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 20, 2023) – The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is pleased to announce the regional winners of the 2023 Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award. Generously sponsored by Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., the Boating Educator of the Year award was launched by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize those who go above and beyond to engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting.
As a member of NASBLA, every state and territory is eligible to nominate their state‐level boating educator of the year to be considered for the regional and national Boating Educator of the Year award. The regional winners are invited to receive their awards at the 64th Annual NASBLA Conference. The 2023 NASBLA Annual Conference will take place in Denver, Colorado, Sept. 19 ‐ 22. The awards banquet will be held on Thursday, Sept. 21.
Brian Markman, of the New York City Police Department Auxiliary Harbor Unit, has been named the 2023 Northern Region Educator of the Year. Brian Markman's outstanding contributions to promoting safe boating education both on the water and in the classroom have earned him this well-deserved recognition. As a dedicated member of the NYPD Auxiliary Harbor Unit, Markman patrols the bustling waters of New York City, ensuring the safety of boaters and others recreating on New York’s waterways. Through casual conversations, the distribution of educational materials, and courtesy vessel inspections, Markman actively engages with boaters, emphasizing the importance of proper education to avoid tragic incidents. In addition to his on-water efforts, Markman has played a vital role in making free classroom boating education accessible to the people of New York City. For nearly a decade, he has tirelessly taught boating safety courses to hundreds of students. Learn more about Brian Markman’s educational efforts over the course of his career.
The 2023 Southern Region Educator of the Year is Master Officer Ashley O'Hare with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). With six years of dedicated service to NCWRC’s Law Enforcement Division, Officer O'Hare has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to boating safety education and ensuring the protection of all boaters on North Carolina’s waterways. Over the past year, Officer O'Hare has excelled in proactive enforcement efforts and boating safety education. Her commitment to enhancing her skills and knowledge was evident as she completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) Train-the-Trainer class, followed by the 24-hour NASBLA Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Train-the-Trainer course. Equipped with the expertise to instruct the seated battery of standardized field sobriety tests, Officer O'Hare went on to provide invaluable in-service training for her fellow wildlife officers and recruits at the Basic Training School. Officer O'Hare demonstrates a profound dedication to advocating for safe and responsible boating, ensuring public safety through proactive law enforcement, and delivering high-quality education to all recreational boaters. Read more about Master Officer Ashley O'Hare’s achievements throughout her career.
Kosette Isakson, of the Alaska Office of Boating Safety, has been named the Western Region Educator of the Year for 2023. As a key member of the Alaska Office of Boating Safety, Isakson has played a pivotal role in elevating the organization to new heights. Her passion for boating and continuous dedication to sharing boating safety knowledge has made her one of the office's most respected and sought-after instructors. Isakson’s vast experience and expertise in the field have earned her a devoted fan base of repeat customers who consistently seek her training programs. One of Isakson’s most notable accomplishments is her role as the coordinator of Alaska's Kids Don't Float program, a statewide safety initiative aimed at addressing the high child and youth drowning rates across the state. Additionally, Isakson has developed the Save It for the Shore campaign, a successful initiative that encourages responsible boating practices in relation to boating under the influence (BUI). Isakson’s commitment to boating safety, combined with her exceptional organizational skills and ability to inspire others, has made her an invaluable asset to the Office of Boating Safety. Find out more about Kosette Isakson’s accomplishments.
The 2023 National Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year winner will be announced at the NASBLA Awards Banquet scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 21. For more information on the Educator of the Year Award, please visit www.nasbla.org/awards.
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Generously sponsored by Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., the Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year Award was launched by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize those who go above to engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of nearly 85 million American boaters.