41-year NAUI veteran leader to head the Association

The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI Worldwide), a worldwide leader in dive training and education, is proud to kick-off DEMA Week with the official announcement of its new Executive Director, Mr. Dallas Edmiston on Nov. 6, 2015.

In February of this year, the NAUI Board unanimously appointed Edmiston as the Interim Executive Director. Following an exhaustive search and vetting process, the Executive Director Selection Committee unanimously recommended, and NAUI Boards unanimously approved Edmiston (NAUI ,4099) to assume the position on a full-time basis.

‘I’m honored to have been selected for one of the industry’s premier positions,’ said NAUI Executive Director Dallas Edmiston. ‘NAUI is known for its ‘Loved One’ concept for instructor and diver certifications and for its leadership in the evolution of diver training and certification. I am committed to continuing the NAUI legacy of leadership for innovation, quality and safety,’ he said.

From education, to business management and leadership, Edmiston brings a varied background of executive and director level decision-making skills to NAUI. He holds a Masters Degree from Alfred State University and served 27 years with the Williamsville Central School District in Buffalo, New York. He became a NAUI Instructor in 1974 under legendary NAUI Member and Course Director, Homer Fletcher. Edmiston has been an active NAUI Instructor for more than 41 years, teaching Recreational, Leadership and Technical courses. He is the founder and former co-owner of Discover Diving, a successful scuba retail establishment in Buffalo. He was also elected by the NAUI membership and served on the NAUI Board of Directors for more than eight years.

‘I’m excited about NAUI’s future,’ said Edmiston. ‘Our membership and the entire diving industry will see changes in how NAUI communicates its leadership role in the diving community. We remain committed to the high standards and quality that has made NAUI what it is today. We will never lower our standards. NAUI membership will continue to be the hallmark of the next generation of dive leaders and innovators.’

For more than 55 years, NAUI Worldwide has developed a legacy of leadership and innovation in the sport of diving.