Chairman of the Board Bill Krueger and the YSF Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Drake as incoming Executive Director. Chris will work alongside Executive Director Stu Keiller for the remainder of the year becoming familiar with all aspects of YSF’s programing, operations, and administration.
It is anticipated Chris will relieve Stu on January 1, 2024 and assume the duties as YSF’s Executive Director. After eight years as YSF’s first Executive Director, Stu Keiller will be working to complete the planning and construction of the Pat Harris Community Sailing Center with groundbreaking scheduled for March 2025 and a Grand Opening in early 2026.
Chris and Marcia Drake, with their son CJ, moved to Vero Beach from Shelter Island New York in 2018. Like Vero Beach, Shelter Island is a seaside resort community. CJ started sailing at a summer camp on Shelter Island, enrolled in YSF’s Opti program in the fall of 2020, and continues to sail in the intermediate class.
Chris had a 23-year career in law enforcement at the New York City and Shelter Island Police Departments. He spent the majority of his career in his hometown police force rising to second in command. Chris worked in community policing, as well as serving as a task force detective investigator and later performed administrative and leadership roles. Chris managed police operations, marine patrol operations, dive team, community engagement, and emergency operations. He holds numerous law enforcement commendations and awards. Chris was an active volunteer firefighter and assisted with fundraising activities.
Chris has worked in his family’s business in senior leadership positions managing the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of multi-million-dollar defense industry projects. He personally holds nine US patents. Chris has spent his entire adult life in service to his community and the nation. A graduate of Suffolk County College, Chris is currently pursuing an MBA.
Please join us in welcoming Chris aboard the YSF Team!
