Kris Carroll, Grady-White Boats, first woman inducted into NMMA Hall of Fame

Published On: September 22, 2020Categories: Awards, Industry News, News

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced the induction of Kris Carroll, president of Grady-White Boats, into the NMMA Hall of Fame. Carroll is the first woman to be honored with NMMA’s highest award for achievement.

“I’m humbled and privileged to bestow the 2020 NMMA Hall of Fame Award to Kris Carroll for her 45 years of dedication, love and service to Grady-White and the recreational boating industry,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president. “It is a particular honor to note that as our first female recipient, Kris has blazed a trail for future female marine leaders, and her legacy will be imprinted on our industry for generations to come.”

Carroll started as a production control clerk at Grady-White Boats in 1975 and worked her way up the ranks until she became company president in 1993. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the NMMA and the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Advisory Council and Board of BoatUS, the Board of the Center for Coastal Conservation (now Center for Sportfishing Policy), and is the past chair of the NMMA Boat Manufacturers’ Division Board.