I hail from McLean, VA, a place deeply rooted in my family's history. Both my father and I have called it home. However, my grandparents made a move from McLean to Hauge, VA, nestled on the Northern Neck along the lower Potomac River. It was here, amidst the serene waters of the Lower Machodoc Creek and the allure of Sharks Tooth Island, that I spent my childhood days, engrossed in boating, fishing, and crabbing. Weekends were synonymous with Hauge, where my grandfather's 20 crab pots demanded attention.

Post-college, I ventured to Annapolis, MD, stepping into the maritime world by joining the Annapolis Boat Shows in 2009. In 2021 I transitioned from boat shows to marine salvage, I embarked on a new journey alongside my husband at Anchors and Oars, and www.sailboatparts.com, our marine salvage enterprises based on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Here, we salvage over a hundred boats annually across the Chesapeake, from Baltimore's north to the Northern Neck of VA. It was during a casual dinner with local boat brokers that the spark for a new endeavor ignited. Challenged to create a boat show on the Potomac, I reached out to National Harbor, and within moments, the wheels were set in motion. Thus, the DC Boat Show was born, with a mere four months to materialize our vision.

Growing up surrounded by water and navigating the marine industry from various angles has shaped my trajectory within the field. An ardent lover of all things boats, I find it challenging to resist their allure, whether at a show or on the water. My family and I reside on Kent Island, where our Cutwater 24 serves as our vessel for exploring the waters of the Chester River.

From chartering catamarans to indulging in monohull sailing and charter fishing, our maritime adventures know no bounds. Our latest addition, the Lift Foil, has added a new dimension to our excursions. Anchoring our Mako 20 at National Harbor for the Boat Show last year provided a unique perspective of the Potomac, offering glimpses of iconic landmarks such as the Kennedy Center and Georgetown.

Being part of the burgeoning DC Boating Community fills me with excitement, and through the DC Boat Show, I aim to showcase the accessibility of boating in the nation's capital. From VIP Boating Experiences to water taxi partnerships and REI kayak rentals, our goal is to demystify boating in DC. We're forging new connections and integrating ourselves into the fabric of the community to create a boat show that truly belongs to DC. We're fortunate to be the architects of this venture, piecing together an event that celebrates the spirit of boating in our capital.