NYBA is excited to share the list of candidates for the upcoming Board of Directors election, which occurs December 9th - December 19th, 2025. There are (5) Business Member seats open. Each seat is a three year term, beginning January 1, 2026 and running through December 31, 2028.
Eligible Voters: "Business Members" and "Business Member-Individuals" are the only eligible voters in this election. Because there are no Affiliate seats open, Affiliate members will not be voting in this election.
Business Associate memberships are non-voting memberships.
Please take some time to review the candidate statements below and then click here to vote (voting opens December 9th and closes December 19th; you must be logged in to vote):
Business Member Candidates: (5) Seats Available
All Candidate Statements were submitted by the candidates, no edits were made by NYBA Staff; statements were limited to 300 words.
Kern Dillard
Victory Boat Sales
Over the past few years, I have built a reputation for integrity, transparency, and a genuine passion for helping people confidently access their life dreams on the water. I work daily with buyers, sellers, marinas, surveyors, lenders, and service providers, giving me a well-rounded understanding of the challenges brokers face in today’s market.
Having come into boat sales after a lengthy career as an automotive repair business owner, I bring both proven operational and customer-service expertise and the advantage of an outside perspective. Being new to this industry allows me to see opportunities for improvement, innovation, and member support often overlooked by those who have spent decades in the same systems. My background, my skills in problem solving, negotiation, and building efficient processes all directly enhance my work in yacht and boat sales.
The Northwest Yacht Brokers Association plays a vital leadership role in elevating professional standards, supporting broker education, and advocating for the growth and health of our industry. As the boating landscape continues to evolve, our association’s guidance and unity are more important than ever.
I have seen firsthand how boating brings families together, strengthens community, and creates lifelong memories. It would be an honor to serve on the NYBA Board and help advance the industry that has given me and my clients so much. My commitment is to contribute a fresh, constructive, and forward-thinking viewpoint that supports a stronger, more unified brokerage community throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Kern Dillard
Victory Boat Sales / Freedom Boat Club
Paul Groesbeck
Irwin Yacht Sales
I have had the pleasure of serving on the NYBA Board of Directors for the past nine years, most recently as President for the past five years. I am also proud to co-chair the Ethics Committee. I am looking forward to my upcoming last year as President, and then moving in to my tenure of Past President. NYBA is an essential part of our broker/dealer network in producing our boat shows, ethics committee, CPYB and government affairs. I would encourage any member to take advantage of running for the Board in our future elections. Our goal as Board Members and Executive Committee members is to listen to membership and make decisions that will benefit all involved. I would appreciate your vote to continue my service on the NYBA Board. Thank you.
-Paul Groesbeck, CPYB
Irwin Yacht Sales
Captain Robert Heay
NW Yachtnet
Thank you fellow NYBA Members for considering my candidacy for your Board of Directors. I have been working in our industry since 1986 as an associate, broker, and owner with my company Port Orchard Yacht Sales until closing the doors in 2021. I am now working with the team at NW Yachtnet.
Through hundreds of changes over the last four decades in our industry, the economy, consumer perception and confidence, one constant remained a reliable and dependable source of reference and guidance, NYBA. NYBA has been a trusted hand on the wheel to hold course and adjust when necessary. We can be very proud of the quality and commitment of our past board of directors, presidents and all of our supporting staff. The strength and integrity of this organization depends on the commitment and participation of the entire membership. My commitment to this organization and its members has brought me to realize it's time to elevate my commitment to a position with the board of directors. I hereby submit my candidacy for your consideration.
-Captain Robert Heay, CPYB
NW Yachtnet
Gretchen Miles
Waterline Boats
After speaking with a few of the current and retiring Board members (whom I respect for their years of dedication!), I am looking forward to the opportunity to become a member of the Board of Directors.
I believe my professional (past and present) and volunteer experiences qualify me to be a strong, contributing member of the BOD:
· I have been a member of NYBA for 10 years.
· To expand my educational opportunities and continued professional development, I qualified for the CPYB designation in 2020.
· I pursued, received (and currently hold), a 100-ton Near Coastal Captain license in 2022.
· I have been a member of the NYBA Boats Afloat Show committee.
· I am an active member with the Everett Yacht Club and the EYC delegate to RBAW.
· I have been a small private business owner in Washington State.
I was motivated to become a yacht broker while experiencing the process of buying and selling our personal boats. I joined Waterline Boats, LLC in late 2014 and am proud to be the manager of the Waterline Boats office at the Port of Everett.
I enjoy working with our NYBA members; I appreciate the professionalism and integrity of our membership and look forward to supporting the ongoing work of NYBA.
Thank you for your consideration!
-Gretchen Miles, CPYB
Waterline Boats
Ken Monaghan
Seattle Yachts International
Greetings NYBA Members,
Thank you for reviewing my candidate statement for the NYBA Elections. I am running to extend my current three-year term as a Board Director and to continue in my capacity on the Executive Committee as this organization's Treasurer, which began in January 2025.
That said, I would like to offer a special acknowledgment to our outgoing Treasurer, Kevin Blake. You set a high standard and I appreciate your many years of service to this organization.
As a brief update, I am about to begin my 11th year as a Dealer/Broker in the PNW Marine Industry. As of April 2024, I have been with Seattle Yachts - PNW, working out of their Shilshole Bay Marina Office. I feel well-established in this industry and remain highly motivated by the rewarding relationships I have fostered with industry experts and by helping clients find that "Perfect Boat."
One key point and thing I have learned during my tenure on NYBA’s current Board is the value of history, knowledge and continuity which is the big reason for me to volunteer again.
In closing, I appreciate your consideration and continued support of an endorsement. I am eager for the opportunity to contribute and serve NYBA, their Mission Statement and Goals for another three-year term as a Board Member and year as Treasurer on the Executive Committee.
-Ken Monaghan, CPYB
Seattle Yachts International
Northwest