“Work hard, push limits, and make every moment count. Never settle—always reach for more.”
Vicki Norman is a dynamic and visionary executive with over three decades of experience leading marketing, publishing, and business development in the marine and automotive industries. She is best known as the first female magazine publisher in the boating industry and for her ability to build brands, scale companies, and lead with both integrity and innovation. Her journey from assistant to executive demonstrates a career fueled by passion, resilience, and a deep connection to the industries she serves.
Vicki began her professional career at Powerboat Magazine shortly after graduating from San Diego State University with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Journalism. Her rapid rise from assistant to Publisher within eight years was not only historic—breaking gender barriers in the boating media world—but also transformational for the brand. Under her leadership, Powerboat flourished, earning a reputation for editorial excellence, innovative marketing, and industry influence that positioned it for a profitable acquisition six years later.
Following her tenure at Powerboat Magazine, Vicki expanded her influence by launching and managing multiple publications, including Speedboat, Performance Boats, and Sportboat Magazine. Her expertise in both print and digital media allowed her to drive growth and brand authority in an evolving media landscape. As Group Publisher at Source Interlink, she led operations for multiple titles across the International Automotive Group, overseeing eight monthly magazines while also spearheading the SIP Group (Single Issue Publication) initiative. This unique division was tasked with rapidly developing and testing new magazine concepts for long-term viability—five of which remain on newsstands today. Despite the decline of traditional newsstands, this role underscored Vicki’s ability to combine editorial leadership with market agility, consistently delivering innovative content and measurable results.
In 2013, Vicki embraced the digital evolution by launching the Marine Division at Digital Throttle. As President of the division, she has played a critical role in scaling the company from $500K to $10M+ in annual revenue. Her digital expertise spans SEO, retargeting, analytics, and social media strategy, which she combines with a keen understanding of the aftermarket and marine sectors. Today, she leads a team that supports over 90 marine websites and media platforms with strategic digital advertising campaigns.
What makes Vicki’s career truly unique is her ability to merge passion with profession. A lifelong boater and licensed USCG “6-Pack” Captain since 1992, Vicki has tested more than 600 boats, participated in over 200 regattas, and contributed extensively as an editorial voice and event planner within the industry. Her hands-on experience gives her unmatched insight into the marine world—something that resonates deeply with the clients, partners, and audiences she serves.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Vicki is a dedicated advocate for the industry and community. She has served on the boards of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the Southern California Marine Association (SCMA), and Freedom Boat Club’s Marketing Advisory Council. Her commitment to mentorship, especially for women in digital marketing and male-dominated industries, has made her a respected voice and leader for change.
Entrepreneurial at heart, Vicki has also founded multiple ventures, including devOcean LLC, a mission-driven brand that offered sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. Her eco-consciousness and ability to tie business with purpose highlight her holistic approach to leadership—where innovation meets impact. She also led the growth of Freedom Boat Club’s Dallas location as both a marketing consultant and member trainer, growing its membership from 30 to over 300 in just two years.
Her speaking engagements and public recognition reflect her influence as both a professional and a trailblazer. Vicki has been featured in media stories and panels discussing gender equity in business, digital marketing trends, and leadership in legacy industries. Whether she’s on a stage or on the water, she inspires others to break barriers and pursue their passions.
Vicki’s leadership style is characterized by authenticity, transparency, and empowerment. She builds cohesive teams that thrive on mutual respect and shared goals, and she fosters work environments where innovation and accountability go hand in hand. Her belief in “doing things the right way” is more than a motto—it’s a standard she lives by, and one that continues to elevate every team, board, and brand she touches.
As she looks to the future, Vicki is eager to bring her expertise to board service opportunities with companies aligned in purpose, innovation, and growth. With a proven record of strategic transformation, industry leadership, and marketing excellence, she offers a powerful blend of vision, execution, and heart.
Character:
Vicki’s career is grounded in integrity, resilience, and authenticity. She leads with purpose, sets a high standard for ethical leadership, and inspires those around her to rise to their best selves.
Knowledge:
Her three decades of hands-on experience across marine, media, digital marketing, and aftermarket industries make her a deep well of practical and strategic knowledge. She offers rare insight across both legacy and digital platforms, positioning her as a powerful advisor and decision-maker.
Strategic:
Vicki has repeatedly built, scaled, and repositioned brands by developing and executing forward-thinking strategies. Her ability to anticipate trends, identify market gaps, and lead high-performing teams has driven consistent revenue growth and business transformation.
Communication:
An award-winning publisher, public speaker, and seasoned executive, Vicki is a natural communicator. She bridges technical and creative worlds with clarity, passion, and a gift for storytelling that connects with audiences from the boardroom to the boat dock.
