ACA announces new President

ACA President - Anne Maleady

March 29, 2013 (Fredericksburg, VA): The Board of Directors has elected long time industry veteran and recreational paddlesport advocate, Anne Maleady to serve as the next President of the ACA, the nation’s oldest paddlesport organization.


“As the ACA broadens the scope of its outreach in order to enhance services and programs to the entire paddlesports community, Anne has the unique passion and career background to continue to guide the association in a positive direction,” stated ACA Executive Director Wade Blackwood.

As paddlesports participation reaches approximately 50 million people a year, the ACA has created the leading Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) educational program in the country, increased its event outreach by 40%, expanded its insurance program for clubs, and surpassed 7,000 certified Instructors. The ACA’s Stewardship Department has begun to tackle the Marine Debris issue through the Stream to Sea Initiative and the Competition Department has grown the Collegiate Race Series across the country.

An avid rafter and recreational kayaker, Anne worked for 33 years in retail management in the outdoor industry, volunteered her time on several outdoor-related nonprofit boards, and has served the paddlesports community on the ACA Board of Directors since 2006.

For more information, please visit: www.americancanoe.org