The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Nominations Committee announces its recommendations to fill open advisory board positions.

“Applicants were thoughtfully reviewed, and every attempt was made to select individuals who could provide a spectrum of representation on the advisory board—including size of company and experience with association or industry issues,” says Christine Gerard, member programs supervisor at Advanced Textiles Association (ATA).

Eric Sevy of SugarHouse Industries in Mobile, Utah; Justin Jones of SewLong Custom Covers in Salt Lake City, Utah; and Ron Paratore of Trivantage are nominated to serve their first three-year term as board members. Keri Ames of Yachtsman’s Canvas in North Wales, Pa., is nominated to serve as chairman for a two-year term.

“Being nominated to serve on the MFA board is an honor. I see it as an opportunity to give back to the community that has helped shape our growth in this industry,” says Jones. “I am passionate about raising the standard in marine fabrication, and it is exciting to serve alongside others who are equally committed to advancing the industry.”

“I am excited to serve on the MFA board. For myself, I was able to learn a lot from others who had served on the board, and I look forward to hopefully help other fabricators in a similar way,” says Sevy. “This group of fabricators is like none other in the way that we share our skills and experiences to build up and better the industry.  It’s an honor to serve.”

“I am a strong advocate for ATA and the many benefits members receive,” says Paratore. “Being nominated to the MFA board helps fuel that passion and allows me to give back to an industry that has given me so much over these past 34+ years. I’m excited and encouraged by the growing MFA membership and the marine industry as a whole.”

Additional candidates

Through the Operating Guidelines, an opportunity is available for additional candidates—via independent nominations—to be considered by the membership for a Board Member position. Independent nominations must be submitted in writing, addressed to Gerard and received at ATA headquarters in Roseville no later than the close of the business day on Monday, October 6, 2025. The letter must be accompanied by a petition/letter of support signed by at least fifty (50) members in good standing from the general (voting) member category.

If no other nominations are received by that date, Gerard is authorized by the Operating Guidelines to place a unanimous vote for the slate of candidates recommended by the Nominations Committee. If, however, independent candidates are proposed and meet the qualifications, an electronic ballot will then be sent out to all voting members for consideration.

For any questions regarding the MFA and the Nominations Committee, please email Gerard.