NAUI Announces Regional Manager Transition for Northwest U.S., Western Canada & Okinawa, Japan

Riverview, FL – The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) announces a regional leadership transition for the Northwest United States, Western Canada, and Okinawa, Japan. Dan Henderson will be departing his role as Regional Manager, and Nick Nechay will assume the position effective February 1, 2026.

NAUI extends its sincere appreciation to Dan Henderson for his service and dedication to the organization and its members and affiliates throughout the Northwest U.S., Western Canada, and Okinawa, Japan. During his tenure, Henderson supported affiliates and instructors across the region while strengthening engagement and communication within the NAUI community.

Nick Nechay will take on the role of Regional Manager for the Northwest U.S., Western Canada, and Okinawa, Japan, while continuing his current responsibilities as Regional Manager for Mexico. His leadership in Mexico remains unchanged.

“Dan has been a committed advocate for NAUI members and affiliates in his region, and we thank him for the time, energy, and professionalism he brought to the role,” said Jeremy Gabrielson, Special Projects and Event Coordinator for NAUI. “As we move forward, Nick’s experience, consistency, and deep understanding of NAUI’s training culture position him well to support members and affiliates across both regions during this transition.”

Nick Nechay brings nearly a decade of industry experience and has been an active NAUI member for over seven years. He has played a key role in instructor development, bilingual training initiatives, and the growth of both scuba and freediving programs. His work and leadership within NAUI Freediving have contributed to instructor development across multiple regions.

“I’m honored to take on the responsibility of supporting NAUI members in the Northwest U.S., Western Canada, and Okinawa, Japan,” said Nick Nechay. “These regions have strong, experienced dive professionals, and I look forward to building relationships, listening to member and affiliate needs, and supporting continued growth—while remaining fully committed to the work already underway in Mexico.”

NAUI is committed to ensuring continuity and support for members during this transition and looks forward to the continued collaboration and growth under Nick Nechay’s expanded regional leadership.