GLBBS’ Nikki Storey Awarded Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year

Nikki Storey, president of the Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS), has been named the 2022 Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year by the MRAA Educational Foundation.

As president of GLBBS since 2020, Storey leads a team of professionals committed to providing students with exceptional, hands-on instruction focused on developing the broad knowledge and skills required for careers in the maritime industry. The school’s mission is to “prepare students for rewarding careers in the marine industry” with the vision “to be the leader in marine workforce development.” The school has posted a 100% graduate employer placement rate for the past five years.

A native of Pickford, Michigan, Storey graduated from Lake Superior State University. Her professional career began at her university and later at War Memorial Hospital. Since setting sail at GLBBS in 2015, she hasn’t looked back, quickly rising from business manager to executive director a year later, to her current leadership role. Her goals moving forward are to continue to expand industry relationships with manufacturers, dealers and marinas, as well as to seek more GLBBS students by expanding the facility.

The Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award is named after the late Darlene Briggs of Wayzata, Minnesota, who was admired for her tireless dedication to the marine industry. The MRAA and Boating Industry magazine together present the award to honor her memory. It’s presented annually to an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry at any level. It recognizes long and devoted service, untiring commitment, and the advancement of women in the marine business.