The Diving Equipment & Marketing Association Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Julie Anne Fabsik-Swarts as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer, effective August 4th, 2026.
Fabsik-Swarts succeeds Tom Ingram, who retired at the end of 2025 after more than two decades of leading DEMA.
Dan Orr, chair of the DEMA Board of Directors, said:
“After a thorough and thoughtful search process, the Board is confident that Julie is the right leader to guide DEMA forward. With a strong track record of leadership and a clear vision for the future, she brings valuable perspective and experience that will help strengthen and grow the association and the industry it serves.”
DEMA said Fabsik-Swarts was selected for her leadership experience, strategic mindset and ability to drive growth and innovation within member-driven organizations.
Most recently, Fabsik-Swarts was CEO of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association International, where she led global operations spanning 40 countries.
Her background includes extensive experience in conference and expo production, exhibitor and sponsor relations, membership development, marketing, advocacy and financial management. She has successfully led strategic planning initiatives, strengthened governance practices, expanded international programs and built high-performing teams across multiple organizations. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the US Center for SafeSport and is a national-level women’s gymnastics judge officiating for USA Gymnastics and the NCAA.
Additionally, Fabsik-Swarts has been a NAUI Master Diver with more than 28 years of recreational diving experience and over 1,000 dives.
Fabsik-Swarts said:
“I’m honored to join DEMA and to have the opportunity to serve an industry with such a strong sense of community and purpose. I look forward to working closely with the Board, staff, and Members to build on the organization’s strong foundation and to explore new opportunities that support business growth and long-term success across the industry.”
As DEMA looks ahead, the organization said key priorities will include supporting dive businesses through data-driven programs, marketing resources and advocacy; strengthening member engagement and industry collaboration; continuing to evolve DEMA Show as a central hub for connection, product discovery and business growth; and identifying new opportunities to expand the industry and attract new participants.
