NASBLA Renames Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of John M. Johnson
During the 2024 State Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Workshop in Lexington, Kentucky, on March 12-13, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) honored John M. Johnson for his exceptional career with NASBLA and his enduring impact on the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) program.
NASBLA Chair Lieutenant Curtis Lewis presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Johnson. This award is one of NASBLA’s most prestigious awards and is presented to a person who devotes their career to promoting boating safety. Their contributions to this mission are significant and lasting.
Following 34 years of service to NASBLA, including 18 years as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Johnson retired in January of this year. He assumed management and staffing responsibilities for NASBLA in 1989. With a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kentucky and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Georgetown College, Johnson has led NASBLA through remarkable evolution and growth. We are all grateful for the years of dedicated service he gave to NASBLA and the RBS community.
In 1999, a NASBLA committee developed boating education standards for course approvals. This led to the establishment of the Education Standards Panel, now known as the national boating standards panel, with members from states and the RBS community. These standards paved the way for national reciprocity in education. Johnson then led NASBLA to become a national standards development organization, recognized by the American National Standards Institute. NASBLA is now developing its 5th American national standard.
Johnson was at the helm as the U.S. Coast Guard and NASBLA responded to the country's maritime security needs after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Amidst this, the U.S. faced the deadliest hurricane in 75 years and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. These events strained the nation's response capabilities, prompting NASBLA to innovate. In 2009, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, NASBLA launched the Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program. This program established a single national standard for training and credentialing maritime law enforcement and rescue personnel. Johnson's vision and confidence in NASBLA led to the development of this ambitious program. Through his leadership and belief in partnerships, the BOAT program has trained first responders and emergency personnel for 14 years.
NASBLA and the USCG have an established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at ensuring safe and enjoyable boating experiences on our nation’s waterways. This MOU reflects their mutual commitment to providing recreational boaters with services and assistance. Under Johnson’s guidance, this MOU was originally drafted and signed, establishing a strong partnership that continues to benefit boaters through the collective efforts of states and the US Coast Guard.
In addition to the outstanding policy developments and formal partnerships established during Johnson’s time as CEO, NASBLA also saw an incredible growth in the in-person networking and educational opportunities provided to the states and the RBS community. Last week marked the launch of NASBLA’s fifth annual event, the State RBS Workshop, along with the inaugural NASBLA Education Seminar. These events, alongside the RBS Leadership Academy, the BOAT Program Instructor Development Workshop, and the annual NASBLA conference, highlight Johnson and NASBLA’s commitment to the professional development of NASBLA members and providing states with the resources needed for RBS programs. These offerings have had a profound impact on boater safety and security nationwide, fostering interaction and collaboration among states and federal partners.
Johnson’s contributions to the recreational boating safety community extend beyond NASBLA. He obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, benefiting the association he served. Johnson was also named the recipient of the NASBLA William B. Garner Leadership Award, inducted into the National Safe Boating Council’s Boating Safety Hall of Fame, and served on the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee. His passion for boating safety and education has left a lasting impact.
After presenting the award to Johnson on March 12, the NASBLA Executive Board decided to rename the Lifetime Achievement Award the "John M. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award."
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators congratulates John Johnson on his accomplishments and expresses gratitude for his years of service to the organization and the entire RBS community.