Election Now Open for VIPCA Board of Directors 2024
- Jim Jackson - Day Charter Captain
- Leah Randall - Day Charter Owner
- Siboney Trevino, Term Charter Crew
- Steve Schlosser - Term, Management Company
- Mike Johnson - Charter Broker
Nomination for Clearing House Manager (1 Position)
- Bret van Roden (Yacht Collective)
Nomination for Term Charter Crew (2 Positions)
- Roger (R.J.) Lipert (BelieveN) Representing Owner Operator
- Vivianne Swietelsky (Yacht Serena) Representing Term Charter Crew
Nomination for Marine Service Provider (3 Positions)
- Brian Christiansen (Yachtly)
- Jay Pennington (Waypoints)
- Chris Cilliers (Offshore Marine)
Letters from Candidates
Bret van Roden
My purpose and motivation to join the board of VIPCA is to make a positive impact on the Virgin Island charter industry with a focus on growth, collaboration, and standardization.
After three and a half years sailing around the world, I chose to drop the hook in St Thomas in 2012, subsequently entering the charter industry as a captain and crew. Operating numerous vessels as crew until partnering with Yacht Collective and entering the clearing house/management area of the industry in the middle of 2022. With previous experience operating in executive roles, my background in international business, manufacturing, and finance will be of value to the mission of VIPCA. I previously started a young gift executives non-profit in the gift and home industry, and have a proven track record of creating and implementing industry changes.
Given the opportunity to implement change; I will put the industry first and focus on rising the tide for all charter vessels, owners, crew, brokers, and service providers. After traveling the world, I have always believed a virgin island term charter experience is the best vacation product available. Being a member of the VIPCA board will give me the opportunity to guide the promotion and support the virgin island charter community both nationally and internationally
Roger (R.J.) Lipert.
My name is R.J. Lipert, owner of BelieveN a Leopard 42’ sailing catamaran since 2021. My wife Leslie and I have been running term charters since the beginning of 2022. But we have been enjoying USVI and BVI waters since our first bareboat trip in 2006. I am originally from Lincoln, NE and owned several businesses in the Fire, Safety and Security market. Over the years, I have enjoyed giving back and have been a member and chaired several organizations including: Member of the Nebraska State Fire Code Appeals Board, Chaired the City of Lincoln Fire Code Task Force, Member of Lincoln Independent Business Association Board, Treasurer of East Lincoln Lodge #210, Captain of the Iron Nobles (Shriner’s Organization) and Member of the Capitol Beach Association Board. I believe I provided sound ideas and helped continue the good work of these organizations. I am a positive and detailed person that is easy to get along with. I would like to give back and be a part of our wonderful community in the USVI’s. If elected, I think I could help VIPCA continue to do great things in the community for the youth and the boating community.
Vivianne Swietelsky.
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Brian Christiansen.
As a Marine Service Provider to the charter yacht industry operating in the US Virgin Islands, I seek a board position with VIPCA. I believe it is important to support the members of the organization as a provider who will work together with all entities comprising the marine industry in the Virgin Islands.
As a managing Captain in the term charter industry as well as greater global tourism communities, I understand the implications for touristic industries to remain compliant with regulations, train members and to have a united representative voice.
Now, as a founding member of Yachtly, a financial technology company specifically built for the yacht charter industry, I continue to support all the constituents of an industry I love by staying involved. This is an ever-changing industry, and as technology and trends change, I plan to contribute pertinent insights toward the betterment of all its members.
I am passionate about the charter yacht industry and its contributions to the Virgin Islands economy, community and society. I am committed to working with the other members of the Board to ensure that VIPCA remains a strong and effective advocate for the industry and its reputation locally, nationally and internationally.
Chris Cilliers.
I believe I would be an excellent fit for the VIPCA (Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association) board member position due to my extensive experience in the maritime and tourism industries, my commitment to sustainable practices, and my dedication to promoting the interests of charter boat operators in the Virgin Islands.
With a background in marine biology and a decade of experience working on charter vessels in the region, I have developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that our local charter industry faces. This firsthand experience equips me with valuable insights into the industry's needs and the ability to make informed decisions that benefit its stakeholders.
Moreover, I am passionate about sustainable tourism and the preservation of our beautiful natural resources. I am committed to promoting environmentally responsible practices within the charter industry, which aligns with VIPCA's mission to foster responsible marine tourism.
I also possess strong leadership and communication skills, essential for effective board membership. I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members to advance the interests of charter boat operators, enhance the quality of service in the Virgin Islands, and contribute to the organization's growth and prosperity.
In summary, my background, experience, commitment to sustainability, and strong interpersonal skills make me a well-rounded candidate for a VIPCA board member, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve and contribute to the success of the organization.
Jay Pennington.
As a current member of the board and a 15-year veteran of the charter industry, I am tapping to continue serving the industry.
- Vendor Committee
- Day Charter Committee
- Term Charter Committee
- Charter Yacht Show Committee
- Manufacturer Yacht Show Committee
- Government Committee
- Insurance Committee
- VI Youth Marine Training Committee
- Marine Environment and Community / Project Green Flag Committee
- Moorings Committee
- Budget and Finance Committee
- Ethics Committee
VIPCA members please bring anything you wish to see addressed by VIPCA to our board of directors' attention by emailing board@VIPCA.org
Current Board Directors 2023 are:
- President: Peter Pieschel - 2nd Term, Marine Service Provider
- Vice President: Jim Jackson - 1st Term , Day Charter Captain
- Secretary: Siboney Trevino, 1st Term, Term Charter Crew
- Treasurer - Steve Schlosser - 1st Term, Management Company
- Chris Cilliers - 2nd term, Marine Service Provider
- Kara Hubert - 2nd term, Term Charter Crew
- Jennifer Augspurger - 2nd term, Term Owner
- Casey Grimes - 2nd term, Clearinghouse
- Jay Pennington - 2nd term, Bareboat Charter
- Mike Johnson - 1st Term, Charter Broker
- Leah Randall - 1st Term, Day Charter Owner
2022 VIPCA Board of Directors
- President: Erika Boruff, SY Viramar – Term Charter Crew
- Vice-President: Peter Pieschel, Paradise Yacht Management' – Marine Service Provider
- Secretary: Collin Steyn, &Beyond Charters – Management Company
- Treasurer: Jen Augspurger, SY Starfish – Term Owner Operator
- Kevin Jonas, Mainsail Yacht Charters – Charter Broker
- Kristie Weiss, Stormy Pirate Boat Charters – Day Charter Owner
- Jim Jackson, Jamann Sailing Adventures- Day Charter Captain
- Casey Grimes, Yacht Collective - Clearing House
- Kara Hubert, SY Easir– Day - Term Charter Crew
- Jay Pennington, CYOA - Bareboat Charter
- Chris Cilliers, Offshore Marine- Marine Service Provider
Executive Director: Oriel Blake (Captain 200t / RYA Yachtmaster Instructor / MCA Ocean YM / PADI Instructor)
2021 VIPCA Board of Directors
- President: Clearing House (Charter Caribe), Dare Blankenhorn
- Vice President: Crew (S/V Viramar), Erika Boruff
- Secretary: Marine Service Provider (Multitech VI), Peter Pieschel
- Treasurer: Owner-operator Crew (S/V Starfish), Sam Augspurger
- Management Company (&Beyond Charters), Collin Steyn
- Owner (Island Hoppin), Wally Wallace
- Day Charter Business (Stormy Pirates), Kristie Weiss
- Day Charter Business (Jamann Sailing Adventures), Jim Jackson
- Charter Broker (Mainsail Charters), Kevin Jonas
- Vendor (Paradise Yacht Mgt), Hank Hampton
- Crew (S/V Sea Esta), Kristi Marquart
Executive Director: Oriel Blake (Captain 200t / RYA Yachtmaster Instructor / MCA Ocean YM / PADI Instructor)
2020 VIPCA Board of Directors
- President: Clearing House (Charter Caribe), Dare Blankenhorn
- Vice President: Crew (S/V Viramar), Erika Boruff
- Secretary: Management Company (Paradise Yacht Mgt), Hank Hampton
- Treasurer: Crew (S/V Sea Esta), Kristi Marquart
- Day Charter Business (Over the Line Charters), Garth Hudson
- Charter Broker (Carefree Yacht Charters), Lynne Campbell
- Marine Service Provider (Multitech VI), Peter Pieschel
- Owner-operator Crew (S/V Starfish), Jen Augspurger
Executive Director: Oriel Blake (MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Instructor & PADI Instructor)
2019 VIPCA Board of Directors
- President: Owner-operator Crew (S/V Starfish), Jen Augspurger
- Management Company (Paradise Yacht Mgt), Steve Schlosser
- Clearing House (Charter Caribe), Dare Blankenhorn
- Term Crew (S/V Island Hoppin), Jamie and Susannah Deehan
- Term Crew (S/V Xenia 50), Jade Lech
- Day Charter Business (Over the Line Charters), Garth Hudson
- Charter Broker (Carefree Yacht Charters), Lynne Campbell
- Marine Service Provider.... pending
Executive Director: Oriel Blake (MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Instructor & PADI Instructor)
2018 VIPCA Board of Directors
- President: Term Crew (S/V Pisces), Travis Krueger
- Secretary: Management Company (Paradise Yacht Mgt), Steve Schlosser
- Treasurer: Clearing House (Charter Caribe), Dare Blankenhorn
- Term Crew (S/V Dreamsong), Erin Furnas
- Term Crew (S/V Xenia 50), Jade Lech
- Day Crew (S/V Sweet Pea), Pat Kosick
- Owner-operator Crew (S/V Starfish), Jen Augspurger
- Charter Broker (CYBA), Jessica Jones
- Marine Service Provider (Puerto Del Rey), Jorge Gonzalez
Executive Director: Oriel Blake (MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Instructor & PADI Instructor)
2017 VIPCA Board of Directors
- President: Donna Romasco
- Secretary: Jen Augspurger
- Treasurer: Dare Blankenhorn
- Directors: Ellen Stewart, Wiley Sharpe, Steve Schlosser, Brie Beatty, Carrie Fisher
Executive Director: Oriel Blake (MCA/RYA Yachtmaster Instructor & PADI Instructor)
Founding Members 2016, without whom VIPCA would not exist!
- Steve Schlosser
- Dare Blankenhorn
- Hank Hampton