Robert Newsome is the Senior Vice President of Operations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), responsible for overall organizational operations, the development and implementation of strategy to support the recreational marine industry, membership activities, the Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program, and product certification (NMMA Certified) programs for boats, yachts, PWC and boat trailers.

Robert is the Chairperson of the National Safe Boating Council, serves on the Board of Directors of the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), and on the National Safe Boating Advisory Committee (NBSAC) by appointment of the Secretary of Homeland Security. He has extensive experience in representing the marine industry in standards development and technical issues through numerous committees of ABYC, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Robert has authored and presented on numerous industry, boating experience and safety topics prevalent to today’s recreational marine industry, and serves as a spokesperson for the Discover Boating program. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Robert is an avid power boater, fisherman and a life-long sailor on Lake Michigan and the lakes of the Midwest.