Educator Training Webinar Series

Dave is responsible for management of all ABYC education courses as well as developing future programs. Prior to this, Dave was in our Tech Department, helping to develop ABYC standards. He worked as a FedEx account manager and as an officer in the US Army before returning to his nautical roots.  Dave is a University of Rhode Island graduate, as well as a graduate from the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) Marine Systems program in Newport. He is a USCG Licensed Captain and has experience with both near and offshore yacht delivery. In his spare time David spends time with his wife and dogs as well as sailing in Sandy Hook Bay. He enjoys sanding old wood floors and craft beers.

David can be reached at:

• dbroadbent@abycinc.org
• (410) 990-4460 x119

Margaret Bonds Podlich is the Executive Director of the nonprofit ABYC Foundation, working to address the nationwide shortage of marine service techs by providing resources to instructors and students, and connecting with the industry. Prior to this she consulted for a variety of marine companies.  She left BoatU.S. in 2016 after 22 years leading their environmental work, governmental policy, and then president. She has been recognized with the 2014 Darlene Briggs National Marine Industry Woman of the Year, 2016 Distinguished Service Award from the National Sailing Industry, and the 2020 Boating Industry Movers and Shakers runnerup. Margaret is “Most likely to be found on the water on paddlecraft, power or sailboats.” 

Mike Bonicker worked with Tidewater Yacht Service in Baltimore for over 20 years, starting as a tech for 5 years doing general repair, electrical and sailboat rigging. He climbed the ranks and became production manager for the remaining 15, still  doing hands-on electrical and sailboat rigging work throughout his tenure.

He received his first ABYC certification, Electrical, under the instruction of Ed Sherman at New England Institute of Technology in 2000 and became a Master Tech with Standards and Corrosion by 2005.

Additionally, he has served with pride on the board of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland for over 12 years.

Boating started as a teenager for Mike when he learned to sail at 13 and raced for over 20 years and he's been a life-long fisherman from the age of 5 owning several boats both sail and power along the way.

Mike can be reached at:

• mbonicker@abycinc.org
• (410) 990-4460 x121

In 2012, John Adey became the President of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), having served in several staff positions since 2002. John has his MBA with a specialty in nonprofit organization management and is an ABYC Certified Master Technician.  John is a member of the USCG Boating Safety Advisory Council, a Red Cross certified lifeguard instructor trainer, US Masters swimmer and an avid Chesapeake Bay boater.  In his spare time he enjoys inventing new swear words while working on he and his daughters 24 year old jeep, Taylor ham egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches, dunkin’ donuts coffee and anything cooked on a weber charcoal grill.

Andrew Pokelwaldt is the Director, Certification for the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA). Andrew has 27 years of experience in training, leadership and operations. His composites experience includes managing training and development for a multi plant fiberglass boat manufacturer, director of a technical community college advanced composites program and gelcoat/fiberglass repair work. He worked as a dual career certified teacher and military reservist and is now retired after 24 years of military service. His military training experience included positions in the U.S. and abroad including a year executing training and combat operations with the Iraqi Army in Diyala province.

Andrews experience in past nationwide presentations and training include numerous composites, advanced materials, manufacturing leadership and workforce improvement topics. His expertise in composites manufacturing includes boatbuilding, aerospace manufacturing, automotive and recreational products.

Mr. Pokelwaldt holds an EdS in School administration, MS and BA in Education, is a certified CCT-Instructor, Senior Professional in Human Resources SPHR and holds numerous technical certifications in advanced composites, project management, safety, manufacturing quality, marine manufacturing, compliance, Six Sigma, personnel and job profile assessments

Amy Stephens, PhD, is a Senior Program Officer for the Board on Science Education (BOSE) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. In this capacity, she has directed several consensus studies on a variety of topics to include English learners in STEM subjects, preschool through elementary science and engineering education, the teacher workforce, and how STEM opportunities can cultivate interest and the development of competencies for computing. Dr. Stephens is an adjunct professor for Southern New Hampshire University and has an extensive background in behavioral and functional neuroimaging techniques. Dr. Stephens received her PhD in Psychological and Brain Sciences from Johns Hopkins University with an emphasis in cognitive neuroscience.

Robert Smith, a Safety Consultant in the Fisher Phillips Workplace Safety practice group, brings valuable skills to any organization looking to enhance its safety compliance programs.

An experienced safety professional with a diverse background across manufacturing operations, management, business development, regulatory compliance, employee training and personnel development, Robert works with small to large companies to develop and deliver employee training, perform site safety audits, and leverage technology to improve safety cultures. He has significant experience working with clients in the construction, marine, healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and heavy industrial industries. Robert’s familiarity with OSHA regulations, coupled with a results-oriented approach to safety program management, helps him directly contribute to our clients’ success.

Robert earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Personnel Development from Virginia Wesleyan University. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University and is an OSHA-Authorized Outreach Trainer.