Center for Sportfishing Policy Honors Viking’s Pat Healey

Center for Sportfishing Policy Honors Viking’s Pat Healey

Washington, D.C. – May 8, 2024 – Today, the Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP) honored Viking Yacht Company CEO and President Pat Healey with its Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes Healey’s significant contributions to marine conservation and industry leadership. 
 
Center for Sportfishing Policy members are in Washington, D.C. for their annual member fly-in, “Center Focus on Washington.” This event brings together recreational angling and boating leaders for critical discussions with Members of Congress and Administration officials on Capitol Hill.
 
During the American Boating Congress Industry Lunch, hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), CSP President Jeff Angers honored Healey for his visionary leadership and his relentless advocacy for policies supporting the marine industry, emphasizing his pivotal role in legislative battles.  
 
“Like Eddie Smith, Pat Healey embodies the spirit of this award through his transformative leadership, uniting stewardship of America’s fishery resources with industry-leading manufacturing,” said Angers. “Pat’s unwavering commitment has unified our industry against bad federal policy, including overly restrictive regulations. He has cemented his legacy with straight talk and strong leadership for America’s recreational fishing and boating community.”
 
Healey steered Viking Yachts through its 60th anniversary and the creation of Valhalla Boatworks, among other manufacturing milestones. His efforts have ensured that boaters and anglers across the country continue to enjoy access and opportunity to pursue America’s public fishery resources.
 
The Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award, named after the legendary chairman and CEO of Grady-White Boats, was established by CSP to honor individuals who demonstrate a commitment to conservation in the marine industry. Eddie Smith, known for his roles on numerous boards including NMMA, Coastal Conservation Association and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, set a standard of excellence and dedication to both manufacturing and conservation. Smith received the first-ever American Sportfishing Association Lifetime Achievement Award and is a member of the NMMA Hall of Fame. Past recipients of the award include AFTCO’s Bill Shedd; Bass Pro Shops’ Johnny Morris; Maverick Boats Founder Scott Deal; NMMA Past President Thom Dammrich; Shimano’s Dave Pfeiffer; Sportsman Boats’ Tommy Hancock, Regulator Marine President Joan Maxwell and Yamaha’s Phil Dyskow and Ben Speciale.
 
The Center for Sportfishing Policy is the nation’s leading advocate for saltwater recreational anglers. The Center organizes, focuses and engages recreational fishing stakeholders to shape federal marine fisheries management policies. For more information, visit www.SportfishingPolicy.com.