Fort Lauderdale
USA
“Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY) was formed in 2009 as a non-profit in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with one overarching mission, to create a safe haven for young, land-based marine industry professionals to share their ideas, network and grow into their professional careers in what is considered a very rigid and unwelcoming industry. Through a healthy balance of educational panels, speakers, and social gatherings, YPY USA aims to promote and support the continuing education of the next generation of industry leaders, and ultimately facilitate future success for those that follow through collaboration on ethical business practices.”
Chris Coleman – YPY USA President
Our Chapter
The USA chapter, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, holds one official meeting every month that typically features a key speaker, and consists of sharing industry news and hosting professional development seminars. We allow members to share any industry news or updates for discussions, and encourage new ideas and member collaboration. The association also hosts sponsored social events for networking opportunities at local boat shows, an elegant Summer Soiree and our annual YPY Gala.
Since its inception, YPY USA has amassed more than 150 members from diverse fields and many influential companies in the marine industry of South Florida.
Our chapter’s by-laws can be viewed here.
Membership
Becoming a member of Young Professionals in Yachting has unique benefits which include: monthly meetings, networking opportunities, professional development, members-only access to job postings, professional mentoring program, meaningful volunteer opportunities, admission to our annual gala and so much more.
Join Now
We will review your application and email you back further membership details.
Board Members
Meet the board of YPY USA
Chris is the Director of the Commercial Marine Division within Oversea Yacht Insurance, the largest family-owned yacht insurance agency in the United States. He uses his years of customer service and networking experience to help his clients, ranging from shipyards, marinas, and contractors, to boat dealers and brokerage houses. An alumni of the University of Florida in Gainesville, he graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications. Chris is an active member of the Greater South Florida marine industry, serving on committees and volunteering for the Marine Industry Association of South Florida, US Superyacht Association and IYBA. In addition to his role as Vice President, he assists with sponsorships for the Annual YPY International Member Trip. Chris joined the YPY Board as Events Chair in 2018…
In his spare time, Chris enjoys playing soccer, paddle boarding, and using his role to foster the next generation of young professionals in the yachting industry.
Chris Coleman
President
Lauren joined YPY around 2017 and enjoyed attending meetings and events as a member. In 2019 she was welcomed to the Board as Director of Membership. Highlights of her time in this role included, working closely with the Treasurer to create a new and efficient membership process, elevating YPY USA among industry associations, welcoming the highest number of members in a year, breaking YPY sponsorship records, and doing it all despite a global pandemic!
As a Board Member, Lauren assists in the planning and execution of multiple events and meetings that focus on the super yacht industry, education and networking, along with her fellow Board Members, she works to strengthen YPY here in the US and across sister chapters. Her goal is to make sure members of all experience levels feel welcomed, well informed and enjoy relationship building events. Stepping into the role of Vice President in 2023, Lauren's aim is to provide support for the membership and fellow Board Members, to continue to grow YPY as a respected industry association and to be a figure members can come to share ideas and to give feedback.
In her day job, Lauren is a Charter Manager with Northrop & Johnson. She is a fifth generation Floridian and Florida State University Alum. Along with YPY, Lauren is a proud member of IYBA and ISS.
Lauren Littlejohn
Vice President
Eric grew up on the water and after spending time on sailboats and doing deliveries, he graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University, majoring in Business Management and Information Systems and Technology. After working for Hertz at their Global Headquarters, he transitioned back to the maritime industry to pursue his love of all things boating. Eric’s current role is Project Manager for yacht refits at Reardon Yacht Consulting.
Eric Schmitt
Treasurer
Julia Russell was born and raised in none other than the “City of Brotherly Love” – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During her summers, she frequented to Long Beach Island, New Jersey where she learned the basic principles of being out on the water boating and fishing with her family. Julia’s love for the water continued to blossom as she travelled the world onboard Semester at Sea in 2009 and eventually made her way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida working for the well-known superyacht magazine, Boat International. With travel being one of her many passions, Julia was able to land a gig with GMT Global Marine Travel as their Marketing Manager, bringing expertise in both the yachting sector and the digital world we now live in. Now going into her 4th year as a YPY USA member, Julia is excited to chair the Mentorship Program and strengthen the bonds of willing professionals in the industry.
Julia Russell
Programming & Sponsorships Director
Morgan is originally from the coastal town of Morehead City, North Carolina, where she grew up boating and offshore fishing with her family. She also spent a lot of time during her upbringing cruising the waters of The Bahamas. Morgan attended NC State University where she received a Business Management degree with a concentration in Marketing. During undergrad she did a summer Sea|Mester where, she sailed the Lesser Antilles on a schooner. After undergrad, Morgan went on to get a dual master’s degree from NC State and SKEMA Business School in Global Luxury Management. With boating being one of Morgan’s passions she moved to Florida after graduation and started working for a notable brokerage firm as a Marketing and Sales Assistant. Morgan now works for Northrop & Johnson as their Social Media and Content Specialist and loves sharing her passion for the yachting lifestyle.
Morgan Crowe
Marketing Director
Katie graduated from the University of San Diego summa cum laude with a degree in International Relations and a minor in Asian Studies. Katie worked in China, then later for the ICRC in Washington, D.C., as well as at the United Nations in New York. She is a 2022 Gabr Fellow. Katie currently is on the Board of Directors for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), Board of Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY) USA Chapter, is as an Ambassador for She of the Sea, and is an active WISTA member.
Kathleen Hagan
Mentorship Director
Éire McGowan is the Marketing Manager at Engineered Yacht Solutions that specializes in Welding, Marine Plumbing, Metal Fabrication, Valve Testing, etc. She is a South Florida native and graduated from the University of Florida with her degree in Public Relations. Before she began her career in the yachting industry, she worked for Broward County Public Schools as a paraprofessional working with children with disabilities. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to new destinations every year.
Éire McGowan
Volunteer Director
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Sarrah always possessed an eagerness to see the world. After starting her career in financial services and insurance, she was looking for a change of pace and found the opportunity to do so in the yachting industry. In 2013 she moved to Miami, FL to join a refit on a 197’ Abeking and Rasmussen, and never looked back! She spent over 4 years onboard vessels 92’ to 220’ with global itineraries before she made the transition to work land based in Fort Lauderdale. In 2019 she joined the sales team as an Account Manager at Lauderdale Marine Center, the largest superyacht refit facility in the US. She works with hundreds of vessels a year to organize their shipyard period and as their point of contact for anything they require during their stay. With a passion for customer service, she is constantly striving for ways to improve guest experience and grow long term relationships with her clients. Sarrah resides in Fort Lauderdale and is a proud member of YPY and ISS.
Sarrah Hearne
Administrator
Born and raised in NH Jessica moved to FL in 2015 with the desire for the boat and beach life year around. Bringing many years of strategic sales and marketing skills, she began her career in the marine industry at Boats Group selling websites, digital advertising and listing memberships to brokers and dealers nationwide. She expand her horizons by moving into the yacht charter space with Ankor Software, a tech company providing brokers worldwide tools to create beautiful itineraries and proposals for their guests to interact with. YPY was the first organization she joined and has been a strong advocate for. In 2021 she received the YPY Helping Hands volunteer award for her participation and support of YPY events and fundraisers. She is honored and excited to finish her last year as a member as the Events Chair. Jessica is looking forward to bringing YPY members and those interested to join together to enjoy socials, activities, monthly meetings and networking events.
Jessica Heizer
Events Director
Casey is a South Florida native and joined the yachting industry and YPY in February 2020. She started her career at the International Yacht Brokers Association assisting with business development and marketing for their various resources. She now works as a Charter Manager for Ocean Independence, marketing and managing a fleet of luxury charter yachts on behalf of their Owners. She also specializes in the sourcing and planning of personalized, extraordinary travel experiences for high-end clients. As a patient and thorough individual with a passion for travel, the ocean and building strong relationships, she looks forward to welcoming new members to the chapter.
Casey Noble
Membership Director
Andrew High handles both transactional and litigation matters focused mainly in the area of Pleasure Boating & Yachting. Mr. High has worked on a wide range of maritime matters. Mr. High is involved in a number of professional organizations, including the Florida Yacht Broker's Association, the Fort Lauderdale Mariner's Club, Young Professionals in Yachting, and others. He also serves on the Board of Directors for AMIKids Greater Ft. Lauderdale, serving to better the education of troubled youths in part through teaching the principles of boating and seamanship.
Andrew High
Legal Counsel
Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Past Speakers
Payments
Checks can be made out to Young Professionals in Yachting in the amount of $150 and mailed to:
Young Professionals in Yachting
PO Box 460304
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33346
Membership dues may also be paid by using the link below.
Contact us
info@youngprofessionalsinyachting.org
Young Professionals in Yachting
PO Box 460304
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33346
Young Professionals in Yachting USA
Join the YPY USA Mentorship Program!
Mentorships are a proven way to drive rich learning and development for both mentees and mentors, which can lead to a more fulfilling career, better opportunities for growth, and greater compensation. If you are looking to achieve specific career goals, this is your chance to receive free, one-on-one coaching from someone in the marine industry willing to help. Please contact our YPY Mentorship Chair, Julia Russell for more information.
