DEMA Appoints Julie Anne Fabsik-Swarts as President and CEO

The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) has announced the appointment of Julie Anne Fabsik-Swarts as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2026.

She takes over from Tom Ingram, who retired at the end of 2025 after more than 20 years leading the organisation.

According to DEMA Board Chair Dan Orr, the decision followed a detailed search process, with the Board identifying Fabsik-Swarts as the right candidate to lead the association into its next phase, citing her leadership experience and strategic outlook.

Her appointment comes after a nationwide recruitment effort led by a Board-appointed search committee. She was selected based on her background in leadership, strategic planning, and driving growth within member-focused organisations.

Fabsik-Swarts brings more than 35 years of executive experience across national and international associations. Most recently, she served as CEO of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association International, overseeing operations across 40 countries. During her tenure, she improved conference performance from sustained losses to consistent six-figure profits, increased attendance and revenue, and expanded membership by 400% through targeted outreach and programme development.

Her experience also includes conference and exhibition management, sponsor and exhibitor relations, membership growth, marketing, advocacy, and financial oversight. She has led strategic planning initiatives, strengthened governance, expanded international programmes, and built high-performing teams. In addition, she serves on the Board of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and is a national-level women’s gymnastics judge for USA Gymnastics and the NCAA.

Fabsik-Swarts also has a personal connection to diving, holding certification as a NAUI Master Diver with more than 28 years of experience and over 1,000 logged dives.

Commenting on her appointment, she said she is looking forward to working with the Board, staff, and members to build on DEMA’s existing foundation and explore opportunities that support long-term industry growth.

Looking ahead, DEMA plans to focus on supporting dive businesses through data-led initiatives, marketing tools, and advocacy, while strengthening member engagement and industry collaboration. The organisation will also continue developing DEMA Show as a key platform for networking, product discovery, and business development, alongside identifying ways to attract new participants to the industry.

DEMA, the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association, is an international, non-profit trade association with the mission of bringing businesses together to grow the diving industry worldwide. DEMA owns and produces DEMA Show™, an annual trade-only event for businesses in the scuba diving, action watersports, and adventure/dive travel industries. Funds raised through Membership revenue, DEMA Show, and sponsorships support programs that directly benefit the recreational diving industry. DEMA Show 2026 will take place November 3-6, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA. For more information on DEMA and affiliated programs, visit DEMA.org or contact (858) 616-6408. Stay updated by following “DEMAOrg” on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).