“Find what you are passionate about and pursue it,” advises Ann Baldree, Senior Vice President of Chaparral Boats.
That’s what Ann did. She grew up in Nashville, Ga., a small town in South Georgia and in 1981 went to work for the town’s largest employer, Chaparral Boats. “It was the first time I had been in a manufacturing plant and I was instantly intrigued.”
She has taken this passion and turned it into her life’s work. As a senior Vice President she interacting with dealerships worldwide and overseeing three large departments.
Buck Pegg, President and Founder said, “Ann is a trusted advisor and has achieved excellence within her teams and the company.”
She brings this same enthusiasm to the marine industry and her local community, where she serves on numerous boards and supports various regional initiatives.
Ann said, “My dad taught me to never be intimated by others. I use this advice to mentor women within the company, industry, and community.”
As a result of this dedication, Ann was the Darlene Briggs Marine Industry Woman of the Year recipient in 2008 and in 2015 was the first marine industry female to be awarded the National STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) award.
Ann said, “I was honored to be named an outstanding woman devoted to this great industry.”