AERÉ Marine is proud to announce that our Chief Operating Officer, Vicki Abernathy, has been honored with the 2025 Golden Anchor Award by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). This prestigious recognition, presented at the MIASF Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon, is awarded to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, commitment, and long-term impact in the marine industry. For those who have worked with Vicki, this recognition comes as no surprise.
With a career spanning more than two decades in the marine industry, Vicki has been instrumental in shaping AERÉ Docking Solutions into the internationally respected brand it is today. Her steady leadership, business acumen, and deep understanding of the boating world have made her a cornerstone of the company’s operations and growth.
Vicki’s contributions extend beyond internal leadership. She has been a trusted voice in product development, customer relationships, and the evolution of AERÉ’s expansive line of inflatable marine solutions. Under her direction, the company has refined and expanded its offerings and has grown into a world-wide brand. Her approach is consistent: listen to customers, anticipate their needs, and deliver innovative, reliable solutions that exceed expectations. As Phil Purcell, CEO/President of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, noted, ‘Vicki’s attitude, aptitude, and entrepreneurial mindset took a small idea and solution that evolved into AERÉ, now recognized as an industry benchmark in the inflatable space.'”
What sets Vicki apart is not just her professional accomplishments, but her character. She is known for leading with both strength and empathy, balancing sharp operational insight with genuine care for her team and the broader marine community. Whether guiding product strategy, mentoring colleagues, or attending trade shows, Vicki brings her signature professionalism and heart to everything she does.
The Golden Anchor Award celebrates a lifetime of achievement, but for Vicki, the journey is far from over. Her passion for the industry continues to drive innovation and raise the bar for what’s possible. At AERÉ Marine, we are fortunate to witness her leadership in action every day and are inspired by the impact she has had not just on our company, but on the entire marine sector.
On behalf of the entire AERÉ Marine family, we extend our deepest congratulations to Vicki Abernathy for this well-earned honor. Your vision, dedication, and unwavering standards continue to propel us forward. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this moment with you.
