The 2020 Executive Committee has a wide range of experience and skills from around the world all contributing to make the ISS what it is today. The EC is responsible for providing input and insight to the worldwide efforts of the organization and helps to communicate information back to the Board of Directors.
Glen Allen
President
I find it a great honor to be elected the President of the ISS. I first got involved to help further education and to give back to an industry that has allowed me and my wife Suzan to have an amazing career and to work side by side on many yachts and see a lot of the world. I hope as president, I can in some way influence the young people coming in to their new careers and help them continue to make yachting a wonderful experience for everyone.
What specifically is your priority for ISS this next year? I feel that the continued growth of the educational programs is a very important role that the ISS can make a difference with for the entire industry. Also, the alliances with other organizations will continue to be a big priority. The ISS should be seen as the leader in bringing all of our industry together and include everyone.
What committees do you serve? I currently serve on the sponsorship committee and do some work with the education committee. As president, I feel it is important for me to help with any of our committees if they feel I can contribute.
Most memorable moment in your career. It is hard to pick just one as I feel like my entire career has been a wonderful journey. But I would say getting my first command which was on a 65′ motorsailer. It was even more special because my wonderful wife Suzan hired me for that job!
Where is your favorite cruising area? The Virgin Islands have always held a special spot for me. I started my yachting career there and even got married in St. Thomas.
What is your favorite ISS event and why? I have a few favorites, but would say the annual Design & Leadership Gala is the most important. The event brings our industry together in one place and is a fantastic opportunity to grow business relationships and renew old friendships. The gala continues to be one of the most successful events in yachting for doing just that.
Erin Ackor
Vice-President
Most memorable moment in your career? I have 2 favorite moments – the first is being able to help a small family business unable to afford an attorney get paid a substantial amount of money they were owed and seeing the impact that made, and the second being closing my first deal over one hundred million euros!
What committees do you serve? Education and the new committee Yacht Management
Where is your favorite boat show? Fort Lauderdale / Because it is the biggest show bringing people from all over the world to South Florida in support of the industry we all love!
What are you most passionate about? My family and my career.
Name something the average person doesn’t know about you. I don’t think many people know that I worked on a sailing yacht on and off for over 10 years prior to becoming a maritime lawyer.
Where is your favorite place? Midcoast Maine – home is where the heart is!
Melissa Orlick
Treasurer
Why is ISS important to professional growth? My time as an ISS member has been a tremendous benefit professionally and personally. As a young professional, ISS has connected me with leading industry professionals both domestically and internationally who have contributed to my ongoing professional and personal development.
What committees do you serve? Executive, Marketing, Events and Gala Committee
Where is your favorite boat show?
Antigua and MYBA Charter Shows. The show locations and positive mindsets provide a great platform to catch up with clients, conduct business and network with industry colleagues you do not see on a daily basis.
What are you most passionate about? Fitness and animals.
Name something the average person doesn’t know about you. I’m an equestrian, and some time ago I was ranked 3rd in the U.S. for Amateur Owner Show jumping.
Where is your favorite place ? The Bahamas. Each island in the Bahamas has something different to offer, people are friendly, water is beautiful and you can’t beat the close proximity to the US.
Rebecca Cahilly Taranto
Secretary
Given the industry’s renewed momentum, the timing is perfect for ISS to forge ahead and make tangible advancements for the superyacht sector as a whole. I am pleased to join an organization that has a clearly defined mission backed by committees and members that can put ideas to task. The International Superyacht Society is not a self-serving organization, but rather is poised to become the point of reference for everyone operating in this niche sector.
What are you most passionate about?
In my personal life, my family and world affairs. Professionally, yacht construction and environmental advancements. I also enjoy making introductions between people in the industry and fostering the growth of companies doing great things.
Name something the average person doesn’t know about you. I grew up without a television, studied Human Rights Law, and am fairly adept at de-feathering chickens.
How long have you been on the board of ISS? My involvement with the ISS is beginning with the board term starting January 2020. I am looking forward to promoting ISS and its work throughout the industry and plan to contribute to the marketing committee.
Where is your favorite boat show?
The Monaco Yacht Show has always been my favorite boat show as it’s the true “superyacht” show. It brings the great creative minds of the industry together and, as such, is the best way to see what all of the major players in our sector are doing.
John Venables
Board Representative
How long have you been on the board of ISS?
It has been my privilege to serve on the ISS Board since 2008.
What committees do you serve?
I enjoy being active on the Sponsorship committee. Since we are a non-profit, sponsorship is our lifeblood—it’s what makes our events possible.
Where is your favorite boat show?
Having exhibited annually at virtually all major boat shows over the last 30+ years, I can say I appreciate the differences, such as the in-water focus at FLIBS and the equipment B2B focus at METS. If I had to pick just one, I’d say Monaco because it is scaled for exclusivity while balancing in-water yachts for sale, OEMs and design/naval architecture firms. Also, being focused on the high-end of the market it encourages end-user attendance, while taking place in a fantastic location. Lastly, it is 4 days and reasonable hours—there ought to be a law that no boat show exceeds 4 days.
Most memorable moment in your career?
Stepping into the breach 11 years ago during the 2008 global financial crisis to risk all to personally acquire all the companies and sustain the employment of the Division of a public company I had been running, my employer the preceding 18 years. Thanks to those employees, I’ve never regretted the decision to take that risk.What is your favorite ISS event? The annual ISS Design Awards Gala has to be at the top of my list—not only because Award winners are recognized by their peers, but also because it takes place in a classy black-tie setting that is well-organized by our all-volunteer Gala Committee. They do such a remarkable job.
Name something the average person doesn’t know about you. I enjoy working on old cars and although I have little spare time, I am currently restoring a 1960’s American muscle car with an original big block engine.
What are you most passionate about?
Family and friends are my ultimate priority, leading a team and business to success is my means to that end. I suppose I am most passionate about gaining insights and understanding as part of continuous lifelong learning. I’ve been called a voracious reader, and tend to appreciate the nuances and complexities of issues, whether technical, socioeconomic or other. It seems complex issues are too often reduced to overly simplistic sound bites—I am reminded of English author John Galsworthy’s insight that “Idealism increases in direct proportion to one’s distance from the problem.”
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