The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) has announced the opening of its search for a new president and chief executive officer, with the selected candidate expected to assume the role in early 2026.
This leadership transition follows the upcoming retirement of Tom Ingram, the organization’s long-time president and CEO, who will step down at the end of 2025 after more than two decades of service.
Under Ingram’s leadership, the organization has seen the continued growth and success of its annual DEMA Show, the expansion of industry research and marketing programs as well as legislative advocacy supporting dive professionals and businesses across the globe.
DEMA Board Chair Dan Orr said:
“Tom’s steady leadership and unwavering commitment have strengthened DEMA and positioned the organization for a vibrant future. We’re seeking a visionary leader who can continue this legacy — someone with the strategic insight, industry passion, and collaborative spirit to guide DEMA and the diving community forward.”
The DEMA Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee to oversee the recruitment process and ensure a smooth leadership transition. Qualified candidates will need to submit a cover letter expressing interest, resume and additional materials by 11:59 p.m. US Pacific time, November 24, 2025, with applications submitted to this secure Dropbox.
Ideal candidates will have expertise in the diving industry along with experience in non-profit trade associations, government relations and advocacy, business research as well as convention/trade show leadership, according to DEMA.
Full position details are available here.
John Lianghttps://www.deeperblue.com/
John Liang is the News Editor at DeeperBlue.com. He first got the diving bug while in High School in Cairo, Egypt, where he earned his PADI Open Water Diver certification in the Red Sea off the Sinai Peninsula. Since then, John has dived in a volcanic lake in Guatemala, among white-tipped sharks off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and other places including a pool in Las Vegas helping to break the world record for the largest underwater press conference.
