Tampa, Fla. (January 23, 2018) – The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI Worldwide), a leader in recreational scuba diver training and certification, welcomes additional representatives to its 2018 North American Regional Management Team and announces expanded territories for its current representatives.
New to the 2018 Regional Management team are industry veterans Angelo Fiore (NAUI 33624) and Lonny Haynes (NAUI 34658).
Fiore represents the Northeastern region (CT, DE, DC, ME, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT) and is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur who began his professional diving career in 1985. After 10 years of honorable service as a U.S. Navy Diver, achieving the title of Unlimited Diving Supervisor, and a Veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, he founded several scuba training centers in Jacksonville, Florida. Fiore has trained more than 3,500 divers and in 2002, founded the Fiore Service Group Inc., an independent representative company focusing on forging relationships between manufacturers and retailers with a goal to engage consumers.
‘I fondly remember working as the NAUI Northeast Representative from 2002 to 2014 and formulating a plan to attract the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) to NAUI as the training agency of choice based on its principle of academic freedom and long history of ‘Dive Safety Through Education,” said Fiore.
More recently, Fiore reconnected with his Veteran community through volunteering with the non-profit 501(c) (3) Force Blue, an organization that connects Special Operations Combat Diving Veterans with the world of coral reef conservation.
‘Angelo’s energy, insight and problem-solving abilities are an asset to all, and we are honored to have him working and sharing his passion with the NAUI membership once again,’ said Director of Business Development Jack Snively.
Also new to the team is Lonny Haynes, representing the South Central region (AR, CO, LA, NM, OK, TX). Haynes is a seasoned diver, NAUI Instructor and customer advocate. Haynes began diving in 1996 and after going through advanced open water training with NAUI, he quickly realized the importance of high-quality and advanced training in enjoying a safe dive experience. Having worked through the ranks in his training, he became an instructor in 2000. Haynes has worked with many training facilities in the region and has earned the respect of the dive community at large.
‘While the industry strives for a leading stance, the focus should always be on safety, and that is only achieved through quality education – a hallmark of NAUI,’ said Haynes.
In an expanded role, experienced NAUI representative and regional manager Kenny Wheeler (NAUI 9063) will oversee the Midwest (IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI) and a slightly modified Southeast region (AL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV).
In addition to Wheelers’ growing territories, Andy Olday (NAUI 58352) will expand his responsibilities to provide the State of Florida with a single manager.
‘Andy has done an outstanding job in his year and half with NAUI Worldwide, and we have no doubt that his new affiliate members will benefit from his business skills and infectious positive attitude,’ said Snively.
Moving into 2018, Hawaii will be managed by Ray Bullion (NAUI 54901), who will also continue his efforts in the Southwest (SoCal, NV, UT and AZ), Bullion, a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, was stationed in Hawaii while serving and is well-suited to support NAUI’s existing affiliate members there and expanding NAUI presence throughout the islands.
The Caribbean experienced exceptional growth under Dave Hall (NAUI 58360), who brought on 11 new NAUI Dive Destination affiliates in 2017. NAUI expects more positive results as he continues these efforts in 2018.
The Northwest (Northern CA, OR, WA, ID, MT and WY) and Canada, from Alberta to the coast of British Columbia, will continue to be represented by another long-time regional manager and veteran trainer Jim Larsen (NAUI 7203).
Dive businesses can expect continued development and support throughout NAUI’s North American operations with this experienced and impressive team of business leaders and educators. To contact NAUI’s North American regional management team or find out more about the benefits of affiliating with NAUI, contact Jack Snively at gro.i1732241342uan@y1732241342levin1732241342sj1732241342 or visit naui.org/contact.
,,,
Founded in 1960, NAUI Worldwide is the scuba industry’s largest not-for-profit agency whose purpose is to enable people to enjoy underwater activities as safely as possible by providing the highest quality practical education, and to actively promote the preservation and protection of the world’s underwater environments. As a pioneer in diving education, NAUI has developed many of the programs and concepts accepted throughout the diving industry. NAUI: The Definition of Diving!
