Uncategorized

National Association of Charter Boat Operators Names Dena Witt as Administrative Director

Dena Vick Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 26, 2026

National Association of Charter Boat Operators Names Dena Witt as Administrative Director

New leader will oversee a website relaunch and national membership drive as NACO expands its reach

HOUSTON, Texas — The National Association of Charter Boat Operators (NACO) today announced that Dena Witt has been named the association's Administrative Director, effective August 3, 2026. Witt will run NACO's day-to-day operations from the association's administrative office in Houston, Texas.

Founded in 1991, NACO represents charter boat owners and operators nationwide, with members operating fishing, sailing, diving, eco-tour, whale-watching, sightseeing, and other passenger vessels across the country. NACO provides the charter boat industry a unified voice in Washington, D.C. For more than 30 years, the association has advocated on the regulatory and legislative issues that most affect its members. Witt's hiring brings fresh energy to NACO as the association enters a new phase of growth.

“We're glad to have Dena Witt on board,” said Butch Smith, NACO President. “Her background in marketing and communications for the outdoor and marine industries is exactly what this association needs as we strengthen our membership and our voice in Washington. I’m confident she’ll help NACO connect with charter operators across the country.”

“I'm excited to get started,” said Witt. “My top priorities are enhancing NACO's online presence with a new website and launching a national membership drive so charter boat owners and operators know NACO is here and what the association can do for them.” While the website is under construction, NACO’s new Facebook page will provide news and updates.

To learn more about NACO and membership opportunities, please contact Witt at dena.nacocharters@gmail.com.

About NACO

The National Association of Charter Boat Operators (NACO) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization representing charter boat owners and operators nationwide. NACO provides its members a coordinated voice on national policy, legislative, and regulatory issues, and works to inform the public and news media about the charter boat industry.

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Media Contact:

Dena Witt

Administrative Director, NACO

dena.nacocharters@gmail.com

501-749-4575

Letter from President Butch Smith

Dena Vick Uncategorized

August 24, 2026

NACO Members:

The COVID-19 pandemic affected most aspects of the charter boat industry, including NACO's day-to-day operations. Toward the end of that period, NACO Executive Director Susan Madoff-Yadav was involved in a serious auto accident, and her recovery extended the association's period of inactivity. As a result, very little NACO business has been conducted since 2023.

I, along with Vice President Bob Zales, Treasurer Ron Maglio, and Board Member Mike Schoonveld, interviewed and hired an Administrative Director, Dena Witt, to jumpstart NACO and get it back on track. Her responsibilities include serving the needs of America's charter boat industry, ensuring our partnership with Gallagher Charter Lakes Insurance continues, and building new alliances in the fishing and boating industry for the benefit of NACO members.

NACO is pleased to welcome Dena Witt as Administrative Director, effective August 1, 2026. Dena brings nearly 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, and industry leadership to the role, with deep roots in the outdoor, marine, and sportfishing sectors.

Dena is the founder and principal of King Eider Communications, a Houston-based B2B marketing and communications consultancy serving clients in the industrial, outdoor, marine, and sportfishing industries. She writes a monthly column for Fishing Tackle Retailer magazine and serves on several boards and committees. She holds an M.A. in Professional Communication from Purdue University.

In her new role, Dena will lead NACO's membership drive and the launch of a new website, working to strengthen the organization's presence and connect with charter captains across the country. She looks forward to getting to know NACO's members and supporting the association's continued growth.

NACO's reawakening is expected to take several months, with a goal of getting the association back on track by the end of 2026. We are currently working on a new website and will initiate a membership drive in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please follow NACO's new Facebook page for updated news and information at https://www.facebook.com/NACOCharterboat.

As part of this membership drive, we are pleased to offer a special renewal incentive. Members who renew their dues by October 30, 2026, will have any past unpaid dues waived, and their membership will remain in good standing through January 2028. To pay your dues, please visit the current NACO website or contact Dena Witt directly. Payment may be made by check or credit card.

We are excited about this new direction and look forward to a prosperous and active 2027. If you have any suggestions or concerns, feel free to contact me at coho@willapabay.org or Dena at dena.nacocharters@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Butch Smith