Committees

LJA Committees

Committees are established by the Life Jacket Association's Board of Directors for the purpose of:

- Assisting the Board of Directors in the fulfillment of the Association’s mission and advancement of its strategic plan.

- Providing expert analysis, advice, and recommendations on specific issues, projects, and initiatives relevant to the Association.

- Increasing member engagement and create opportunities for professional development among Association members.

- Enhancing the Association’s ability to respond to emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.

Annual Meeting Planning Committee

Chair: Chris Sime, Takashina USA

The purpose of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in the fulfillment of the Association’s mission and to work collaboratively with the board and staff to plan and execute a successful annual meeting that meets the needs of LJA members, stakeholders, supporters, and vendors. The committee will focus on developing high-quality content, securing engaging speakers, and identifying and securing sponsors.

Committee Charter

Finance Committee

Chair: Brenda Espelien, PFD Consultants / LJA Treasurer

The Finance Committee is established to support the Board of Directors in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities for the financial health and integrity of the organization. Its purpose is to provide financial oversight, ensure stewardship of the organization’s resources, and recommend sound fiscal policies and procedures that promote financial sustainability, transparency, and accountability.

Committee Charter

Life Jacket Technician Course Committee

Chair: Gordon Colby, Mustang Survival

The Life Jacket Technician Course (LJTC) Advisory Committee is established to support the Board of Directors in ensuring the continued vitality, accuracy, and advancement of the Life Jacket Technician course. The committee’s principal responsibility is to advise on curriculum updates, industry standards, regulatory changes, and best practices to ensure the course remains current and impactful.

Committee Charter

Membership Committee

Chair: Troy Faletra, Throwraft

The Membership Committee is established to support the Board of Directors in ensuring the vitality, diversity, and effectiveness of the board and the broader membership of the association. The committee’s principal responsibility is to actively oversee the identification, recruitment, engagement, and retention of qualified and committed individuals who can further the nonprofit’s mission through organizational involvement.

By fostering a robust, inclusive, and dynamic membership body, the committee supports the organization’s strategic goals, cultivates future leaders aligned with the organization’s values and vision, and nurtures the growth of engaged individuals within the organization, empowering them to become active members who meaningfully support and advance the nonprofit’s mission.

Committee Charter

Website Development Committee

Chair: Kelli Toth, Underway USA

The purpose of the Website Development Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in the fulfillment of the Association’s mission and to work collaboratively with staff to develop and maintain the organization’s website ensuring that it is up-to-date, user-friendly, and meets the needs of LJA’s members and stakeholders.

Committee Charter

Technical Committee

Chair: Wayne Walters, Kent Water Sports

The Technical Committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining technical criteria and assessment protocols that result in a comprehensive conformity assessment program. Additionally, the committee collaborates with technical experts and stakeholders to update assessment criteria and procedures based on emerging trends, technological advancements, and changes in relevant regulations.

Committee Charter