DAN Europe - Romania

Next CEO of Divers Alert Network

Help us welcome Cliff Richardson as DAN’s next president and chief executive officer.

As CEO, Richardson will lead the organization in its mission to assist injured divers and advance dive safety. He will succeed DAN’s current president and CEO, Bill Ziefle, who first joined DAN as a board member in 1998 and was appointed CEO in 2010. Ziefle’s distinguished career at DAN has been marked by a demonstrated commitment to dive safety and significant growth in DAN’s membership and insurance programs.

Richardson brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to the role, most recently serving as executive director and CEO of NAUI Worldwide. He began his career in the diving industry as an instructor and has also led organizations in the public and private sectors. A U.S. Army veteran, Richardson is recognized for his strategic mindset, innovative problem-solving, and track record of strengthening organizational capabilities.

Richardson and Ziefle will address the dive industry at DEMA Show 2025 during DAN’s member appreciation event on November 11. DAN members in attendance will hear Richardson’s plans for the organization as it moves into 2026 and beyond.

👉 Read more: dan.org/dan-names-cliff-richardson-as-next-ceo

DAN's research partners are conducting a study on diving incidents and their contributing factors. This anonymous, voluntary survey takes only 5-20 minutes to complete and aims to enhance safety across the global diving community. Eligible participants must be at least 15 years old, hold any diving certification, and be able to complete the survey in English or French.

Take the survey: https://questionnaire.simplesurvey.com/f/s/diving_incident_survey

(All survey responses will be anonymized, and no identifying information will be shared with DAN.)

Liveaboard Safety: An Analysis of recent Accident Trends - Alert Diver Magazine | DAN Europe Liveaboard safety is in crisis, with fires, sinkings, and lax regulations putting divers at risk. Learn what’s behind the surge in accidents post-COVID.