Friends of Exuma Welcomes Kathy Allyn to the Board

Friends of Exuma is pleased to announce that Kathy Allyn has joined our Board of Directors. An Exuma homeowner since 2021 with deep roots in youth sailing and community volunteering, Kathy brings experience in business strategy and a long-standing commitment to the island and its people.

Kathy first visited Exuma with her family in 2019. They immediately were hooked by the beauty of the island, the water, and the incredibly close-knit and beautiful community. In 2021, they became Exuma homeowners with visits becoming more frequent every year. While in Exuma, Kathy enjoys snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, and walking the incredible beaches, always keeping the mesmerizing Exuma blue water in her view.

Kathy earned a dual degree in Journalism and International Relations from Syracuse University. She’s a creative and driven business professional with vast experience in start-ups. Her current focus is the travel industry, a true passion project. As a product development strategist, she has worked with a wide range of industries: financial journalism, corporate retirement investment education, small businesses, and promoting STEM education for kids through sailing. 

Kathy’s parents instilled her love of the water and the desire to help others. This motivated her to get involved with youth sailing as soon as her kids could participate.She now serves on two youth sailing boards, oversees a summer sail camp, and competes on an all-female sailing team. She chairs the USA Junior Olympics Sailing Festival on Lake Erie with US Sailing. And her kids all became sailing instructors and coaches.

Ironically, her first encounter with an Exumian was on her initial plane ride down, sitting next to Dallas and Tamara Knowles. From that moment she immediately decided to support Exuma Sailing Club’s efforts, because she knows first hand that sailing develops in kids the crucial skills of confidence, perseverance and self-esteem. She also volunteers and supports the humane society, walking and caring for the rescue cats and dogs. The clear need for continued community support, especially for Exumian children, as well as environmental conservation and preservation, is what drives her to work with the Friends of Exuma. 

“Serving on the Friends of Exuma board is truly an honor for me, and I will do my best to listen to the needs of the community and support the causes so deserving of FOE’s contributions.”

Please join us in welcoming Kathy to the Friends of Exuma board.