The Surf Industry
Manufacturers Association (SIMA) named Doug Palladini, vice president of marketing
for Vans and previously a SIMA Board of Director, as its new president. to succeed Baker as
the new president of SIMA. Palladini succeeds Dick Baker, who passed away on April 14 after a long battle with cancer.
“I am excited that the SIMA Board and membership have elected me as
the next SIMA President, and sincerely humbled that Dick Baker was so
supportive of my nomination to succeed him,” said Palladini, new SIMA
President. “While I cannot possibly fill Dicks shoes, I do intend to
honor his legacy by working closely with all member companies to grow
and promote the surf industry as effectively as possible.”
While Palladini is the newly elected SIMA President, the rest of the
SIMA Officers will continue to serve out the remainder of their terms.
Continuing their roles as officers are: Chad DiNenna, Co-founder and
Director of Marketing for Nixon, as SIMA Vice President; Joel Cooper,
CEO of Lost International, as SIMA Treasurer; and Greg Macias, Vice
President of Marketing for Quiksilver, as SIMA Secretary.
There are two new faces in the SIMA boardroom. Shea Weber, President
of Dewey Weber International Inc., was elected to the Board of
Directors. Toby Bost, CEO of the La Jolla Group, has been appointed to
the SIMA Advisory Board.
“I have been serving on the SIMA Board Builder Committee since 2006
and it has been a great experience working with other industry
professionals to enhance and expand the opportunities for board
builders,” said Weber. “I am excited about the additional opportunity
to help the industry as a SIMA Board of Director. I look forward to
working with existing officers and directors and am anxious to get
started.”
SIMAs Board of Directors and Nominating Committee nominate Director
candidates and appoint Advisors based on their individual commitment to
devote time to serving on committees, attending the monthly meetings,
and overall contribution as opposed to the company they work for.
Members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Boards must belong to a
paid SIMA member company and be able to put aside the interests of
their own company to do what is best for the surf industry and SIMA.
With that in mind, members of SIMAs Board of Directors and Advisory
Boards represent a well-balanced array of companies and product
categories, from footwear manufacturers to board builders.
“Im thrilled to be joining the amazing group of people on this
board and within this organization,” said Bost. “The influence SIMA
has had on our industry over the years is unquestionable and its
exciting to play an active role in continuing our collective success.”
In addition to the newly elected and appointed Board members, Dan
McInerny, Vice President of Sales for Olukai, been elected to the Board
of Directors. McInerny previously served on the SIMA Advisory Board.
“It is quite an honor for me to serve on the SIMA Board of
Directors,” said McInerny. “Ever since my dad walked me down the beach
at San Onofre in 1968 to buy my first board, I have had an affinity for
surfing and the ocean lifestyle. We are a part of something special at
SIMA. I look forward to serving the industry and preserving the
lifestyle that has shaped my life and will undoubtedly shape those of
future generations.”
SIMA elections are held each year, with half of the Board of
Directors and Advisory Board positions open for election/appointment
from year to year. The terms of the newly elected and appointed
positions run from April 2009 through April 2011. Following the 2009
election, the efforts of SIMA are guided by an 11-member Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors has appointed seven non-voting Senior
Advisory Board members and 16 non-voting Advisory Board members.
