Profiles in Leadership: Tom Guess

SmithAfter 38 years of boating safety leadership, Tom Guess assumed the helm of NASBLA in March 2025.

Wanda Kenton Smith

Boating Industry Magazine

With a stellar 38-year marine industry career spanning active-duty Coast Guard service to his appointment to GEO of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in March, Tom Guess brings a wealth of boating safety experience and passion to his new role.

‘As a youngster introduced to the waterways by his grandfather on Chesapeake Bay, his personal engagement in boating encompasses ‘water skiing as a teenager, to fishing aboard small Jon boats, to paddling on countless river trips with family and friends.

Professionally, Guess launched his career as a coxswain and boating officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. He rose through the ranks to head

command positions at USCG stations including a three-year stint in the Outer Banks where he dealt with user conflict issues between charter

boat captains and recreational anglers... [read more]