The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association has announced the appointment of Julie Anne Fabsik-Swarts as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, with the role becoming effective on August 4, 2026.
Fabsik-Swarts succeeds longtime DEMA President and CEO Tom Ingram, who retired at the end of 2025 after more than two decades leading the organisation through significant periods of growth and industry change.
According to DEMA, the appointment follows a national executive search led by a board-appointed search committee after Ingram’s retirement announcement last year. The association stated that Fabsik-Swarts was selected for her leadership background, strategic planning experience, and track record of driving growth within member-focused organisations.
DEMA Board Chair Dan Orr said the board believes she is the right person to guide the association into its next phase.
“After a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board is confident that Julie is the right leader to guide DEMA forward,” Orr said in the organisation’s announcement.
Fabsik-Swarts brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across national and international associations. Most recently, she served as CEO of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association International, overseeing operations spanning more than 40 countries. DEMA stated that during her tenure she significantly increased membership growth, improved conference profitability, and expanded organisational revenue through strategic outreach and program development.
Her professional background also includes experience in conference and expo management, exhibitor relations, membership development, advocacy, governance, marketing, and financial management, all areas that closely align with DEMA’s role as the diving industry’s largest trade association.
Alongside her executive experience, Fabsik-Swarts also has direct ties to the diving community. DEMA noted that she is a NAUI Master Diver with more than 1,000 logged dives and nearly three decades of recreational diving experience.
In a statement released by DEMA, Fabsik-Swarts said she was looking forward to working with members and industry stakeholders to build on the organisation’s existing foundation while exploring new opportunities for growth.
The appointment comes during a period of transition for DEMA following the retirement of Ingram and the interim leadership period overseen by Nicole Russell, who was appointed Interim CEO and President earlier this year while the search process continued.
DEMA said its priorities moving forward will include strengthening member engagement, supporting dive businesses through research and marketing programs, continuing to develop DEMA Show as the industry’s primary trade event, and identifying new ways to attract participation in diving globally.
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