Award Winners Honored at the 66th Annual NASBLA Conference
The 66th Annual NASBLA Conference took place in Des Moines, Iowa, from Sept. 16-18, 2025. During the awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 18, NASBLA presented its annual national awards, honoring members and colleagues in the recreational boating safety community for their exceptional contributions to boating and water safety. This year, NASBLA recognized 17 award winners at the event.
John M. Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award
NASBLA first began presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. This award is designed to recognize a person who has contributed to boating safety over his or her lifetime.
- Pamela J. Doty has spent more than 30 years promoting water safety and saving lives. She began her career in 1991 as a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and now leads the agency’s National Water Safety Program, which reaches more than 260 million visitors annually. Doty has championed initiatives such as “Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns” and “Bobber the Water Safety Dog,” expanded life jacket loaner programs, and helped shape national boating safety policy. Her vision and dedication have transformed the nation’s approach to water safety.
Chair’s Award
At the end of their term, the NASBLA Chair selects individuals to honor with special recognition for their contributions over the past year to boating safety and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
- Angela Boone is an indispensable member of the NASBLA team, overseeing a wide range of behind-the-scenes operations that keep the organization running smoothly. From reconciling expenses and coordinating travel to managing event logistics and creating a welcoming environment at every gathering, she approaches each responsibility with professionalism, warmth, and unwavering commitment. Angela consistently anticipates needs, steps in wherever she is needed, and goes above and beyond to support colleagues and NASBLA members alike. Whether booking accommodations, handling complex event details, or offering a kind word at the registration desk, she brings reliability, care, and consistency to every task. Her exceptional dedication, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit make her a vital part of NASBLA’s continued success.
NASBLA Award
The NASBLA Award is presented in appreciation of an individual who has devoted significant time and effort to achieving the association’s objectives for the betterment of recreational boating safety.
- Todd Radabaugh has more than 30 years of experience in conservation law enforcement and is a national leader in boating under the influence (BUI) prevention and enforcement. Beginning his career with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, he helped pioneer drug recognition and field sobriety training — experience that now informs his work as NASBLA’s BUI Program Manager. Todd has expanded NASBLA’s training capacity, developed national trainers, and led continuing education efforts for officers across the country. His recent collaboration with the National District Attorneys Association produced a groundbreaking curriculum to strengthen BUI prosecution and officer-prosecutor coordination. A key figure in Operation Dry Water, Todd plays a central role in officer training and outreach, advancing tools and techniques such as the seated battery of standardized field sobriety testing.
NASBLA Past Chair Award
The NASBLA Past Chair Award recognizes an individual who demonstrated dedication, vision, and commitment while serving as chair of the organization.
- Joe McCullough has provided steady and impactful leadership over the past year. He played a key role in updating the State Guide, served on the CEO hiring panel that selected Tom Guess, and helped shape NASBLA’s strategic direction. As chair, he represented NASBLA at the national level, leading discussions with senior U.S. Coast Guard officials to strengthen collaboration and advance boating safety.
National Boating Officer of the Year
Proudly sponsored by SAFE Boats International, the Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Award — also known as the Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award — was established in 2000 to honor officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact in boating law enforcement.
- NASBLA presented its esteemed National Boating Officer of the Year award to Senior Trooper Jacob Manning with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Department of Public Safety Marine Patrol Division. NASBLA congratulates Trooper Manning on receiving the award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to boating safety, his exemplary enforcement record, and his dedication to public education initiatives that enhance recreational boating safety across Alabama. In 2024, Trooper Manning helped rescue four individuals from a capsized vessel in rough conditions, earning the Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Life Saving Award. Over the past year, he conducted more than 500 vessel inspections, made 24 BUI arrests, and devoted over 200 hours to training, mentoring, and community outreach. Click here to learn more about the National Boating Officer of the Year.
National Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year
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 and beyond to engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting.
- NASBLA recognized Annie Grenier of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Office of Boating Safety, as the recipient of its prestigious National Boating Educator of the Year award. NASBLA congratulates Grenier on receiving the national Pamela S. Dillon Boating Educator of the Year award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to boating safety, her innovative development of programs such as “Kids Don’t Float” and “Save It for the Shore,” and her dedication to educating thousands of students and community members across Alaska. Since 2016, Grenier has led hands-on courses, trained high school ambassadors, and organized statewide events that foster collaboration and life-saving skills. Click here to learn more about the National Boating Educator of the Year.
National Safe Boating Council Chair Award
The National Safe Boating Council Chair Award recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional leadership, collaboration, and dedication to advancing recreational boating safety through the Council’s programs and partnerships.
- Alan Dennison has exemplified this commitment through his long-standing leadership with the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) and his partnership with NASBLA. Over the past six decades, the NSBC has played a critical role in shaping the National Recreational Boating Safety Program, and Alan has helped carry that work forward with vision and purpose. Under his guidance, the Council has expanded educational initiatives, modernized outreach efforts, and strengthened collaboration among national and state partners. His steadfast dedication and forward-thinking approach have furthered the NSBC’s mission to make every boating experience safer.
National Safe Boating Council Outgoing Chair Award
National Safe Boating Council Chair Alan Dennison presented this award on behalf of the organization.
- Joe McCullough was recognized with the National Safe Boating Council Outgoing Chair Award, presented by NSBC Chair Alan Dennison. NASBLA congratulates McCullough on receiving the award in acknowledgment of his leadership, dedication, and his role in fostering the longstanding partnership between NASBLA and the NSBC. A highlight of this collaboration in 2025 was their joint participation in the Japan Boating and Water Safety Symposium in Yokohama, where they met with the Japan Coast Guard to share best practices and advance boating safety initiatives internationally.
Operation Dry Water Awards
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