US Sailing Announces New Board of Directors President for 2024
by US Sailing, October 24, 08:24 PDT
US Sailing, the governing body for sailing in the U.S., is excited to share the outcomes of its Board of Directors elections for 2024, which occurred during the annual meeting in Bristol, RI.
Henry Brauer has been elected as president, while Laura Grondin will serve as vice president. Matt Gallagher has been appointed secretary, and two new members-at-large, Mike Van Dyke and Bob Kottler, have also joined the board.
These new board members offer significant experience and a common dedication to promoting the sport of sailing. US Sailing anticipates a fruitful year ahead under their guidance.
The annual election for the Board of Directors took place from September 3, 2024, to October 13, 2024. All current adult and family members had the opportunity to vote online, in addition to casting their votes in person at the US Sailing Annual Meeting.
Henry Brauer – Elected as President (2024-2028, four-year term) – Brauer is a veteran private equity expert and enthusiastic sailor with substantial leadership skills. As Co-Founder and Principal of Colony Realty Partners, he oversaw asset growth exceeding $4.5 billion, participated on the Executive and Investment Committees, and directed marketing. In sailing, he has held significant roles, including Commodore of the Eastern Yacht Club and Chair of the Northeast Harbor Fleet’s Race Committee. A founding member of the J/70 Class Association, Brauer has competed internationally, achieving top results in world championships. He also serves on The Taft School’s Board of Directors and the Peabody Essex Museum’s Board of Advisors.
Laura Grondin – Elected as Vice President (2024-2025, one-year term) – Grondin is a notable business leader and skilled sailor. Since 1999, as Owner and CEO of V Industries, Bingham & Taylor, and Hartford Technologies, she has led her companies with strategic acumen and industry knowledge. She participates actively in Vistage, a global CEO organization, and contributes to the sailing community as Chair of the International Melges 24 Class Association. Her volunteer leadership includes roles on the Board of Trustees at Bay Path University and past chair positions in several prominent organizations. A top-notch sailor, Grondin has achieved notable finishes, including 3rd place at the 2023 and 2021 J/70 Worlds, and has received multiple nominations for the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award.
Matt Gallagher – Elected Director, Secretary (2024-2028, four-year term) – Gallagher has been on the US Sailing board since his election in 2023, bringing significant expertise in regatta management, big boat sailing, and youth sailing. A practicing lawyer, he holds various volunteer roles, such as Offshore Chair and Regatta Chair for the ORC East Coast Championships and Worlds 2024. His progression from cruiser to racer and organizer of esteemed offshore races adds depth to his board contributions.
Mike Van Dyke – Elected Director, Member at Large (2024-2028) – Van Dyke joined the US Sailing board in April 2024, taking over the spot left open by Tony Rey. He offers extensive yacht club leadership experience from his time at Long Beach Yacht Club and Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, and as President of the California International Sailing Association (CISA). With a solid financial background from his career at Morgan Stanley, he is extensively involved in various sailing activities, such as offshore races and youth programs, and serves as a critical liaison with LA28 for World Sailing and US Sailing.
Bob Kottler – Elected Director, Member at Large (2024-2028) – Kottler demonstrates a strong dedication to the sport that has greatly enhanced his life, having served on the Finance Committee for several years and more recently on the Compensation Committee. With extensive banking experience in senior leadership roles, he possesses valuable financial expertise and a profound passion for community sailing, which he believes can strengthen local connections. Kottler is involved with various boards, including Community Sailing New Orleans and the International Council of Yacht Clubs, and enjoys racing his J27 and participating in regattas as a Race Committee member.
Outgoing president Rich Jepsen reflected on his time in office: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve this Association. While it was more challenging than I expected, I felt privileged to collaborate with incredibly intelligent individuals—committee, board, and staff—tackling fundamental challenges for the benefit of all sailors. I will fulfill my traditional Past President ex-officio role on the Nominating Committee and look forward to attending the upcoming Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, CA, from February 6 to 8, 2025. I hope to see many of you there!”
For further details about US Sailing and the Board of Directors, please visit here.
