An Interview With Chief Dillon

Pam Dillon, who once served as a deputy chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft, was appointed the Division’s new chief on October 1, 2007. Dillon joined the Virginia-based American Canoe Association as executive director in October 2002 following a 27-year career with ODNR. From 1996 to 2002, she was one of the Division’s deputy chiefs. The following is an interview with the new Chief.

BuckeyeBoater: What is your hometown?
Pam Dillon: I was born and graduated from high school in Portsmouth, Ohio. I am now residing in Columbus, Ohio.

BB: Do you participate in recreational boating? Do you own any type of watercraft?
PD: I enjoy all types of boating, but my passion is paddling. I own 4 canoes, 8 kayaks, and an inflatable. I also enjoy sailing and powerboating.

BB: Are you involved with any other organizations?
PD: I am a public member of the National Boating Safety Advisory Council, a life member of the American Canoe Association, a former member and past Chair of the National Safe Boating Council, a member of the Board of Governors of the International Whitewater Hall of Fame. My past participation includes being a board member of the Future Fisherman Foundation and the Paddlesport Industry Association.

BB: How and when did you become the boating law administrator for Ohio?
PD: I was appointed Chief of the Ohio DNR Division of Watercraft on October 1, 2007. I began my career as a State Watercraft Officer for Ohio in 1977 and remained with the Division of Watercraft through 2002 serving the final 6 years as Division Deputy Chief overseeing the law enforcement and education programs. From 2002-2007, I served as Executive Director of the American Canoe Association.

BB: What do you see as the biggest pressing need in boating safety today?
PD: The biggest pressing need is securing legal and safe access, encouraging safe youth participation in all forms of boating, and continued diligence in education and law enforcement efforts.

BB: Are there any areas in boating safety that you plan to improve in Ohio?
PD: I plan to increase youth participation, support skill-based boating education opportunities, and encourage voluntary usage of life jackets by all ages.

BB: Can you report on the health of the ODNR Division of Watercraft’s funding status (the Waterways Safety Fund)?
PD: The Waterways Safety Fund is made up of a number of revenue sources including boat registration and titling fees and federal funds from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, The largest single funding source is 7/8 of 1% of the state’s gasoline tax. This percentage reflects the amount of fuel used in motor boats. The Waterways Safety Fund finances capital improvements, marine patrol and boating education grants, recreational harbor dredging, and the division’s law enforcement and education programs. The fund is a true “User Pays, User Benefits” system, in that boater’s funds are returned to boaters through these programs. It is my responsibility as Chief to make sure program expenditures do not exceed the available funds and that the funds are used as efficiently and as effectively as possible. Currently, the fund balance supports the level of services being provided. We have no planned registration and titling fee hikes for 2008.

BB: Can you address the importance of the Division’s customer satisfaction survey that is being sent out?
PD: The “2007 Survey of Recreational Boating Safety and Participation in Ohio” is a vital program planning instrument. As the Division plans for boating opportunities of the future, we use the information gathered by this survey to determine the current level of boating satisfaction. We know that your experiences and safety while boating depend on adequate boating facilities and on an adequate presence of safety and law enforcement services. The 2007 survey results will be compared to responses from previous years as a measurement of new programs, initiatives, and facilities. The survey is a key communication vehicle to ensure all segments of the boating community receive consideration.