Surf Group Gets New Executive Director
The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, the trade association in San Clemente, Calif., that represents more than 700 surf industry suppliers, has named Sean Smith executive director, reporting to SIMA President Dick Baker. Smith replaces Terry McCann, who served as executive director for three years before retiring a few months ago.
“The board of directors is proud to promote Sean to the position of executive director,” said Baker, who is also the president of Ocean Pacific Apparel Corp., based in Irvine, Calif. “Sean has been an integral part of SIMA’s growth and expansion during recent years. His experience is an invaluable asset to our association. He has helped bring SIMA to the next level, and we look forward to pursuing new opportunities to grow SIMA and the industry under his leadership.”
In his new position, Smith will manage day-to-day operations, prepare a financial budget for the board of directors, implement strategic goals and create new business education programs for the surf industry. He will also oversee SIMA’s staff.
Previously, Smith served as SIMA’s managing director. He joined SIMA in 2001 as director of marketing and communications. Prior to that, he oversaw marketing and public relations for the Action Sports Group, the division of Primedia Inc. that publishes magazines including Surfer, Snowboarder and Skateboarder. He also has been a public relations specialist for the central Florida tourism board and the marketing manager for Golfweek, a national weekly golf publication. —Claudia Figueroa
