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Hello everyone!

Welcome to LJA Connect, the online community of the Life Jacket Association! We've created this platform to foster connections, camaraderie, and information sharing throughout the year. Whether you're a familiar face or new to our community, we're excited to have you here.

To kick things off, let's take a moment to introduce ourselves. Please share your name, where you're from, how long you've been involved in the life jacket industry, your role and company, a bit about your job, or anything else you'd like to share. This doesn't need to be a formal bio; we're just looking to get to know each other better!

I'll kick us off:

I'm John Fetterman, and I joined NASBLA in January 2010 as its first Law Enforcement Director. My role involved integrating and coordinating law enforcement programs within NASBLA, aiming to enhance the organization's law enforcement program value through education and consulting services. In 2010, I was part of the team that launched NASBLA's Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program, which has since trained over 20,000 maritime law enforcement officers and response professionals.

Before joining NASBLA, I spent 32 years at the Maine Bureau of Marine Patrol, starting in 1977. During this time, I logged around 12,000 hours as the chief pilot and supervised the Bureau's Special Services, focusing on safety programs for recreational and commercial boating. I also served as the Coastal Boating Law Administrator for Maine.

During my time at NASBLA, I've had several roles, including serving as President and Chair of the Homeland Security Committee. I've also been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Boating Safety Advisory Committee, and the National Homeland Security Advisory Committee. In 2014, I was promoted to NASBLA's Deputy Executive Director, a position I continue to hold.

NASBLA provides association management services for the Life Jacket Association, and I am currently the Executive Director of the LJA, a role I've held since 2017.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Cathy. We live in Ellsworth, Maine on beautiful Branch Lake. We have four grown, married children and seven grandchildren who keep us busy!

------------------------------
John Fetterman
Deputy Executive Director
NASBLA
------------------------------

Hi everyone!

My name is Garrison Toy and I'm the Communications Coordinator at NASBLA, working from our Headquarters in Lexington, KY.

I'm originally from right down the road in Mount Sterling, KY. I graduated college in December of 2022 from Morehead State University with a Bachelor's in Strategic Communications. After graduation, I started working at NASBLA in January of 2023! I've really enjoyed every second of it so far, and I am excited for the week ahead at LJA!

I currently reside in Lexington with my 3-year-old Dalmatian/Aussie mix, Remy! Some of my hobbies include golfing, reading, & cheering on the UK Wildcats. My favorite place to visit is easily Savannah, GA! The Savannah Bananas baseball game is a must if you're ever in the area. I also like to make the drive down to Cave Run Lake occasionally during the summer. The lake there is beautiful!

------------------------------
Garrison Toy
Communications Coordinator, NASBLA
859.225.9487 (main)
859.225.7369 (direct)

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2024 11:15 AM
From: John Fetterman
Subject: Introduce Yourself

Hello everyone!

Welcome to LJA Connect, the online community of the Life Jacket Association! We've created this platform to foster connections, camaraderie, and information sharing throughout the year. Whether you're a familiar face or new to our community, we're excited to have you here.

To kick things off, let's take a moment to introduce ourselves. Please share your name, where you're from, how long you've been involved in the life jacket industry, your role and company, a bit about your job, or anything else you'd like to share. This doesn't need to be a formal bio; we're just looking to get to know each other better!

I'll kick us off:

I'm John Fetterman, and I joined NASBLA in January 2010 as its first Law Enforcement Director. My role involved integrating and coordinating law enforcement programs within NASBLA, aiming to enhance the organization's law enforcement program value through education and consulting services. In 2010, I was part of the team that launched NASBLA's Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program, which has since trained over 20,000 maritime law enforcement officers and response professionals.

Before joining NASBLA, I spent 32 years at the Maine Bureau of Marine Patrol, starting in 1977. During this time, I logged around 12,000 hours as the chief pilot and supervised the Bureau's Special Services, focusing on safety programs for recreational and commercial boating. I also served as the Coastal Boating Law Administrator for Maine.

During my time at NASBLA, I've had several roles, including serving as President and Chair of the Homeland Security Committee. I've also been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Boating Safety Advisory Committee, and the National Homeland Security Advisory Committee. In 2014, I was promoted to NASBLA's Deputy Executive Director, a position I continue to hold.

NASBLA provides association management services for the Life Jacket Association, and I am currently the Executive Director of the LJA, a role I've held since 2017.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Cathy. We live in Ellsworth, Maine on beautiful Branch Lake. We have four grown, married children and seven grandchildren who keep us busy!

------------------------------
John Fetterman
Deputy Executive Director
NASBLA
------------------------------

Hello Life Jacket Association Community! 

I am Taylor Matsko and I am the Communications & Marketing Director for the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). I began working with NASBLA in 2017 as a Communications Intern and primarily focused on the Operation Dry Water (ODW) campaign. Upon my graduation from the University of Kentucky in May 2019, I began working for NASBLA full-time. In 2023, I earned my Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). 

Looking forward to meeting everyone this week in Clearwater, and interacting with you all in the new online community! 

------------------------------
Taylor Kirshe, Communications & Marketing Director
NASBLA | (859) 225-9487

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2024 11:26 AM
From: Garrison Toy
Subject: Introduce Yourself

Hi everyone!

My name is Garrison Toy and I'm the Communications Coordinator at NASBLA, working from our Headquarters in Lexington, KY.

I'm originally from right down the road in Mount Sterling, KY. I graduated college in December of 2022 from Morehead State University with a Bachelor's in Strategic Communications. After graduation, I started working at NASBLA in January of 2023! I've really enjoyed every second of it so far, and I am excited for the week ahead at LJA!

I currently reside in Lexington with my 3-year-old Dalmatian/Aussie mix, Remy! Some of my hobbies include golfing, reading, & cheering on the UK Wildcats. My favorite place to visit is easily Savannah, GA! The Savannah Bananas baseball game is a must if you're ever in the area. I also like to make the drive down to Cave Run Lake occasionally during the summer. The lake there is beautiful!

------------------------------
Garrison Toy
Communications Coordinator, NASBLA
859.225.9487 (main)
859.225.7369 (direct)

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2024 11:15 AM
From: John Fetterman
Subject: Introduce Yourself

Hello everyone!

Welcome to LJA Connect, the online community of the Life Jacket Association! We've created this platform to foster connections, camaraderie, and information sharing throughout the year. Whether you're a familiar face or new to our community, we're excited to have you here.

To kick things off, let's take a moment to introduce ourselves. Please share your name, where you're from, how long you've been involved in the life jacket industry, your role and company, a bit about your job, or anything else you'd like to share. This doesn't need to be a formal bio; we're just looking to get to know each other better!

I'll kick us off:

I'm John Fetterman, and I joined NASBLA in January 2010 as its first Law Enforcement Director. My role involved integrating and coordinating law enforcement programs within NASBLA, aiming to enhance the organization's law enforcement program value through education and consulting services. In 2010, I was part of the team that launched NASBLA's Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program, which has since trained over 20,000 maritime law enforcement officers and response professionals.

Before joining NASBLA, I spent 32 years at the Maine Bureau of Marine Patrol, starting in 1977. During this time, I logged around 12,000 hours as the chief pilot and supervised the Bureau's Special Services, focusing on safety programs for recreational and commercial boating. I also served as the Coastal Boating Law Administrator for Maine.

During my time at NASBLA, I've had several roles, including serving as President and Chair of the Homeland Security Committee. I've also been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Boating Safety Advisory Committee, and the National Homeland Security Advisory Committee. In 2014, I was promoted to NASBLA's Deputy Executive Director, a position I continue to hold.

NASBLA provides association management services for the Life Jacket Association, and I am currently the Executive Director of the LJA, a role I've held since 2017.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Cathy. We live in Ellsworth, Maine on beautiful Branch Lake. We have four grown, married children and seven grandchildren who keep us busy!

------------------------------
John Fetterman
Deputy Executive Director
NASBLA
------------------------------

Hi, I am Troy Faletra, President of the Life Jacket Association. Nice to meet you! 👊

Hello Life Jacket Association Community! 

I am Taylor Matsko and I am the Communications & Marketing Director for the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). I began working with NASBLA in 2017 as a Communications Intern and primarily focused on the Operation Dry Water (ODW) campaign. Upon my graduation from the University of Kentucky in May 2019, I began working for NASBLA full-time. In 2023, I earned my Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). 

Looking forward to meeting everyone this week in Clearwater, and interacting with you all in the new online community! 

------------------------------
Taylor Kirshe, Communications & Marketing Director
NASBLA | (859) 225-9487

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2024 11:26 AM
From: Garrison Toy
Subject: Introduce Yourself

Hi everyone!

My name is Garrison Toy and I'm the Communications Coordinator at NASBLA, working from our Headquarters in Lexington, KY.

I'm originally from right down the road in Mount Sterling, KY. I graduated college in December of 2022 from Morehead State University with a Bachelor's in Strategic Communications. After graduation, I started working at NASBLA in January of 2023! I've really enjoyed every second of it so far, and I am excited for the week ahead at LJA!

I currently reside in Lexington with my 3-year-old Dalmatian/Aussie mix, Remy! Some of my hobbies include golfing, reading, & cheering on the UK Wildcats. My favorite place to visit is easily Savannah, GA! The Savannah Bananas baseball game is a must if you're ever in the area. I also like to make the drive down to Cave Run Lake occasionally during the summer. The lake there is beautiful!

------------------------------
Garrison Toy
Communications Coordinator, NASBLA
859.225.9487 (main)
859.225.7369 (direct)

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2024 11:15 AM
From: John Fetterman
Subject: Introduce Yourself

Hello everyone!

Welcome to LJA Connect, the online community of the Life Jacket Association! We've created this platform to foster connections, camaraderie, and information sharing throughout the year. Whether you're a familiar face or new to our community, we're excited to have you here.

To kick things off, let's take a moment to introduce ourselves. Please share your name, where you're from, how long you've been involved in the life jacket industry, your role and company, a bit about your job, or anything else you'd like to share. This doesn't need to be a formal bio; we're just looking to get to know each other better!

I'll kick us off:

I'm John Fetterman, and I joined NASBLA in January 2010 as its first Law Enforcement Director. My role involved integrating and coordinating law enforcement programs within NASBLA, aiming to enhance the organization's law enforcement program value through education and consulting services. In 2010, I was part of the team that launched NASBLA's Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program, which has since trained over 20,000 maritime law enforcement officers and response professionals.

Before joining NASBLA, I spent 32 years at the Maine Bureau of Marine Patrol, starting in 1977. During this time, I logged around 12,000 hours as the chief pilot and supervised the Bureau's Special Services, focusing on safety programs for recreational and commercial boating. I also served as the Coastal Boating Law Administrator for Maine.

During my time at NASBLA, I've had several roles, including serving as President and Chair of the Homeland Security Committee. I've also been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Boating Safety Advisory Committee, and the National Homeland Security Advisory Committee. In 2014, I was promoted to NASBLA's Deputy Executive Director, a position I continue to hold.

NASBLA provides association management services for the Life Jacket Association, and I am currently the Executive Director of the LJA, a role I've held since 2017.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Cathy. We live in Ellsworth, Maine on beautiful Branch Lake. We have four grown, married children and seven grandchildren who keep us busy!

------------------------------
John Fetterman
Deputy Executive Director
NASBLA
------------------------------

Hey there!  This is Steve Rogier and I'm the VP of the Life Jacket Association.  I've been with the associations for many years and look forward to working with everyone to increase life jacket use and knowledge!

Best,

Hi, I am Troy Faletra, President of the Life Jacket Association. Nice to meet you! 👊

Hello Life Jacket Association Community! 

I am Taylor Matsko and I am the Communications & Marketing Director for the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). I began working with NASBLA in 2017 as a Communications Intern and primarily focused on the Operation Dry Water (ODW) campaign. Upon my graduation from the University of Kentucky in May 2019, I began working for NASBLA full-time. In 2023, I earned my Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). 

Looking forward to meeting everyone this week in Clearwater, and interacting with you all in the new online community! 

------------------------------
Taylor Kirshe, Communications & Marketing Director
NASBLA | (859) 225-9487

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2024 11:26 AM
From: Garrison Toy
Subject: Introduce Yourself

Hi everyone!

My name is Garrison Toy and I'm the Communications Coordinator at NASBLA, working from our Headquarters in Lexington, KY.

I'm originally from right down the road in Mount Sterling, KY. I graduated college in December of 2022 from Morehead State University with a Bachelor's in Strategic Communications. After graduation, I started working at NASBLA in January of 2023! I've really enjoyed every second of it so far, and I am excited for the week ahead at LJA!

I currently reside in Lexington with my 3-year-old Dalmatian/Aussie mix, Remy! Some of my hobbies include golfing, reading, & cheering on the UK Wildcats. My favorite place to visit is easily Savannah, GA! The Savannah Bananas baseball game is a must if you're ever in the area. I also like to make the drive down to Cave Run Lake occasionally during the summer. The lake there is beautiful!

------------------------------
Garrison Toy
Communications Coordinator, NASBLA
859.225.9487 (main)
859.225.7369 (direct)

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2024 11:15 AM
From: John Fetterman
Subject: Introduce Yourself

Hello everyone!

Welcome to LJA Connect, the online community of the Life Jacket Association! We've created this platform to foster connections, camaraderie, and information sharing throughout the year. Whether you're a familiar face or new to our community, we're excited to have you here.

To kick things off, let's take a moment to introduce ourselves. Please share your name, where you're from, how long you've been involved in the life jacket industry, your role and company, a bit about your job, or anything else you'd like to share. This doesn't need to be a formal bio; we're just looking to get to know each other better!

I'll kick us off:

I'm John Fetterman, and I joined NASBLA in January 2010 as its first Law Enforcement Director. My role involved integrating and coordinating law enforcement programs within NASBLA, aiming to enhance the organization's law enforcement program value through education and consulting services. In 2010, I was part of the team that launched NASBLA's Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Program, which has since trained over 20,000 maritime law enforcement officers and response professionals.

Before joining NASBLA, I spent 32 years at the Maine Bureau of Marine Patrol, starting in 1977. During this time, I logged around 12,000 hours as the chief pilot and supervised the Bureau's Special Services, focusing on safety programs for recreational and commercial boating. I also served as the Coastal Boating Law Administrator for Maine.

During my time at NASBLA, I've had several roles, including serving as President and Chair of the Homeland Security Committee. I've also been a member of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Boating Safety Advisory Committee, and the National Homeland Security Advisory Committee. In 2014, I was promoted to NASBLA's Deputy Executive Director, a position I continue to hold.

NASBLA provides association management services for the Life Jacket Association, and I am currently the Executive Director of the LJA, a role I've held since 2017.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Cathy. We live in Ellsworth, Maine on beautiful Branch Lake. We have four grown, married children and seven grandchildren who keep us busy!

------------------------------
John Fetterman
Deputy Executive Director
NASBLA
------------------------------