Meet Wanda

Meet Wanda Kenton Smith, President

Kenton Smith Marketing

World Class Marketing Services … From A World Class Marketing Leader

Wanda is an Auburn University graduate and #1 Fan!

For more than 35 years, Wanda Kenton Smith has remained on the leading edge of all things marketing. She is a both a highly experienced marketing strategist and proven tactician whose efforts have positively impacted scores of organizations, ranging from established global companies to emerging start-ups.

Whether it’s a business or product launch, a deep dive marketing audit, or the development and execution of strategic marketing plans flanked by customized tactics, to the ongoing analysis of key performance indicators and metrics, Wanda is well qualified to research, plan, direct, execute, track and measure marketing campaigns and resulting ROI.

In addition to her finely honed marketing chops, Wanda is a degreed journalist and former editor of two national consumer magazines and three b2b trade publications.

She is the well-read national marketing columnist for Soundings Trade Only, an editorial post she has held since 1998. Her popular columns cover all aspects of marketing trends and breakthroughs, offering real world insight and applications for readers. She also writes the “Profiles in Leadership” column for Boating Industry Magazine, which profiles top marine industry leaders and shares their insights and strategies for success.

Over the years, Wanda has by-lined more than 500 published news stories, feature articles and columns in dozens of print and online publications throughout the world. She has also edited three books, produced hundreds of custom content posts for corporate blogs with resounding organic search results, plus has ghostwritten and produced a litany of internal and external communications, articles and executive presentations for countless business executives.

Wanda is an award-winning advertising copywriter and an internationally recognized scriptwriter and creative/video director. Her work has earned international, national and regional award recognition and acclaim.

For nearly two decades she has orchestrated and directed the turnkey design and content for websites, both large and small. She is equally adept at punching out succinct headlines, social media posts, plus responsive email campaigns.

Many consider Wanda one of the top PR practitioners in the marine industry. She has orchestrated the turnkey product launches for dozens of global and national brands, resulting in outstanding exposure and measurable lead generation for clients. Her PR work has earned national and regional accolades including the recent Neptune Award for best PR campaign in North America, and the Sea Tow Foundation’s National Boating Safety Award for the Best Marketing Outreach in North America, among others.

Today, Wanda services select key clients whose vision, focus, cause and passion are in direct alignment with her own.

For more information about Wanda’s experience and career, visit her LinkedIn Page.

KEY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

President, Kenton Smith Marketing (current; since 2009)
Director of Communications, Water Sports Foundation (current; since 2020)
Marketing Columnist, Soundings Trade Only (current; since 1998)
Profiles in Leadership Columnist, Boating Industry Magazine (current; since 2021)
Former Chief Marketing Officer, Regal & Nautique of Orlando
President, Kenton Smith Advertising & Public Relations (13 years)
Vice President of Marketing, Regal Marine Industries, Inc. (11 years)
Chief Marketing Officer, Freedom Boat Club – Corporate (4 Years)
Director of Marketing, Legendary Marine (4 years)
Chief Marketing Officer, Emerald Coast Marine Group (2 Years)
Director of Marketing, Nathaniel’s Hope (2 Years; continuing contributor)
Managing Editor, World WaterSkiing/Water Ski Magazine (2 Years)
Editor, Water Ski Business (2 Years)
Managing Editor, Windsurf Magazine (2 Years)
Editor, Sail America News (4 Years)
Editor, The Voice (11 years; Marine Marketers National Member Newsletter)

KEY LEADERSHIP ROLES

Founder, President, Marine Marketers of America – National Association (11 Years)
Immediate Past President, Marine Marketers of America (current)
Nationally Appointed - US Coast Guard Boating Safety Advisory Committee
Executive Committee - Sea Tow Foundation Safety Advisory Council
Founder, President, International Women in Boating (3 Years)
Founder, President, Marine Marketing to Women (3 Years)
National Recreational Boating Leadership Council, New Markets/Diversity Task Force Chairperson (4 Years)
Auburn University Journalism Department Alumni Advisory Council, Chair (4 Years)
President, Sales & Marketing Executives of Orlando (1 Year)
Founder, Boaterz n Bikerz of America, Hull of a Tour