Fort Lauderdale
USA
“Founded in 2009, Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY) USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the continued education and professional development of the next generation of leaders in the yachting industry. Through a wide range of educational panels, networking events, mentorship and volunteer opportunities, YPY USA works to build strong professional relationships and support career growth. Our dedication to collaboration, environmental responsibility, community engagement, entrepreneurship, and adherence to ethical business practices, ensures the growth and sustainability of the yachting community.“
Kathleen Hagan – 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

Kathleen Hagan
President

Casey Noble
Vice President

Treigh Burton
Treasurer

Drew Orvieto
Programming & Sponsorships Director

In 2020 she obtained her yacht broker’s license and is currently with The Italian Yacht Group as an Executive Coordinator. There she is in charge of all contracts and processes of deals and listings, marketing and customer relationship management, yacht management, charter liasion and more. Morgan is able to effectively communicate with diverse groups (being fluent in Spanish and maintaining a conversation in German) allowing her to reach multiple market segments and find the perfect yacht to best suit her clients.
An active member since 2021, she was elected in 2025 to the board of Young Professionals in Yachting as the Marketing Director. She is ecstatic to have the opportunity to be able to further hone her markerting skills as well as give back to a group that helped her find a sense of community and value as we navigate the Martime Industry together.
Morgan Sandoval
Marketing Director

Outside of work, Tony enjoys playing ice hockey, golfing, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
Tony Planamento
Mentorship Director

Gabby promotes best practice and a strong safety culture mindset and loves engaging with the community to learn from others and see where all she can help. She is also a member of WISTA, PWY, ISS, and PYA and is very excited to be in her first YPY board role as Volunteer Director this year.
Gabriella Cramer
Volunteer Director

Morgan Crumpton
Administrator

Throughout her career, Lexi collaborated with builders on luxury private residences and speculative homes situated on Palm Beach’s prestigious billionaire’s row. Concurrently, she refined her skills at a yacht upholstery workroom, where her time onboard vessels ignited a passion for the yachting industry. Lexi then landed a designer position at a yacht interior design firm, where she made significant contributions to major retrofit and yacht design projects across the globe. This experience set the stage for her current role as an outside sales representative at a leading industry company.
Lexi joined YPY in 2022 with the intention to expand her network and forge meaningful connections. By 2023, she joined the events committee which led to her appointment as the Events Director of the YPY USA Board in 2024. In her free time, Lexi indulges in her love for the beach, showcases her culinary skills through baking, and cherishes moments spent with friends and family.
Lexi Leventry
Events Director

Éire McGowan-Seip
Membership Director

With travel being one of her many passions, Julia joined GMT as their Marketing Manager in 2018, bringing expertise in both the yachting sector and the digital world we now live in. Julia has been an active member of Young Professionals in Yachting and first served on the YPY board as the Mentorship Director in 2020, followed by the Programming & Sponsorships Director in 2023, and eventually finding her new role as Alumni Relations Director in 2025. She is additionally an active member of the Marine Industry Association of South Florida, US Superyacht Association, the International Superyacht Society, and the International Yacht Brokers Association.
Julia Russell
Alumni Relations Director

Andrew High
Legal Counsel
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.