Don MacKenzie

Don MacKenzie has lived in Niantic for 15 years and has worked in our Town for nearly 35 years as President and former owner of Boats Incorporated. He is currently a member of the East Lyme Harbor Management Commission, serving there since 2018.

He was born and raised in North Carolina through the 7th grade, then moved to Maine where his father was transferred to work as Director of Operations for Holiday Inn.  After a semester of college at the University of Maine, Don decided to enlist in the Navy and ended up in Connecticut in the Submarine Service and served a 4-year term.  He was then hired at Electric Boat and sent to college by the company, earning an Engineering degree from the University of Bridgeport while also completing a machinist apprenticeship at the shipyard.  Following 12 years at Electric Boat, Don worked in sales for Anheuser Busch and had the fortunate opportunity to sponsor a fishing tournament at Boats Incorporated in Niantic.  During that very special three-day weekend, Don realized he loved Niantic, the water, and sales, and within a year he and his partner became owners at 133 Main St.  

Don jumped in with both feet as he served in many positions on the Connecticut Marine Trades Board of Directors for over 25 years—as the Association’s President, Boat Show Chairman, and Legislative Chairman for the Marine Industry.  Don also served on the Board of Directors for the Marine Retailers of America. Boats Incorporated was awarded TOP 100 Dealers in North America for 11 consecutive years.  In 2015, Don was awarded the Jeanne Czel Award as the Marine Industry’s Person of the Year.  

In addition to his work as a public official on the Harbor Management Commission, Don has also coached basketball and mentored students for the past 25 years at East Lyme, Ledyard, and Old Saybrook high schools. He has also worked with a number of local charities where he feels his contributions have an immediate impact.

Don is looking forward to sharing his considerable experience as well as his passion for policy and systems as a member of the Board of Selectmen.