Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award
Recipients of the NMMA Freedman Award are individuals who, in the course of their careers, have made outstanding contributions to the marine accessories industry through leadership, creativity, and personal motivation. The following are the categories for consideration:
• Marine aftermarket or OEM manufacturer
• Marine representative
• Member of a marine-focused media
• Boat dealer
• Marine distributor
• Marine trade association staff person
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nominations to the 2025 awards program are open through December 6, 2024.
To nominate a worthy industry leader:
- Nominators must belong to a member company and be in good standing with NMMA.
- Submit the official nomination form.
- Submit supporting material to enhance the nomination. Supporting material includes, but not limited to; an enhanced career timeline and accomplishments, articles about the nominee and letters of support. Supporting materials should be received digitally through the provided file share link by December 13, 2024.
Nominators will be notified of award status in January 2025.
AWARDS PRESENTATION
The 2025 Alan J. Freedman Award will be presented during the Miami Industry Breakfast at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Tickets are required for entry.
QUESTIONS
Contact: Rachel Harmon
Email: [email protected]
AWARD RECIPIENTS
2021: Will Keene, Edson International
Will Keene
Will joined Edson in 1979, working alongside his father and brother and moving through the ranks as they built the company to what it is today, manufacturing industry-leading marine products for both power boats and sailboats, plus marine sanitation devices, marine pumps, industrial pumps, and commercial pumps.
For more than four decades, Will has been dedicated to improving inshore water quality with a commitment to building holding tank pump-out systems. In line with this commitment, Edson created the Edson Green Team, which encouraged all boaters and manufacturers of marine equipment to join in the Edson Green Team initiative.
What’s more, Will’s efforts were instrumental in the passing of the 1992 Clean Vessel Act, including his testimony before a Congressional committee. He and a group of industry peers then came together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to write the standards for the Federal Grants for Pump-out Stations. He was also a leading voice in the establishment of the Clean Marina Award while serving on the Facilities Development Committee at the NMMA.
Will has served on the NMMA Board of Directors and Sail America’s Board of Directors. He also sits on the advisory committee for the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Will was honored with Sail Magazine’s Industry Leadership Award in 2005, and the BoatU.S. Environmental Leadership Commendation in 2007.
An avid sailor and windsurfer, Will not only works in the boating industry, he truly lives and loves boating.