Staff Bios
Hunter McIntosh
Born into a family that values conservation, environmental education, philanthropy and legislative action, Hunter Hartford McIntosh is proudly continuing the legacy of The Boat Company. As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at The Boat Company – started by his father with the purpose of conserving and protecting the largest remaining temperate rain forest in the Northern Hemisphere – Hunter considers himself an honored guardian of this founding mission.
Hunter first felt his passion for conservation at an early age. Partly in his blood, his parents, Michael and Winsome McIntosh, sit or have sat on boards including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Defenders of Wildlife and Earth Justice. Adding to this genetic passion, growing up in Palm Beach, FL and participating in island rituals such as watching the annual nesting of the sea turtles, instilled in Hunter the desire to protect and preserve our waters and wildlife habitats.
A multi-disciplinary athlete, he went to Florida State University on a track scholarship, competing in long jump, triple jump and pole vaulting. He left two years later for another sport – professional tennis, joining the ATP Tour, where he competed in many levels or tournament play throughout his career. After moving to Connecticut, Hunter resumed his college studies at Sacred Heart University and received degrees in Communications and Political Science. While attending school, he also served as Head Men’s Tennis Coach at Fairfield University, directing the Stag’s to their first conference titles and appearances in several high level collegiate tournaments.
As the result of the sale of another family business – Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) – the McIntosh Foundation was formed where he currently serves as a Director. Hunter has focused his philanthropy on issues of conservation, health, and education for future generations. Wanting to give back to the university that had given him his educational start through athletics, he was a founding supporter of the women’s soccer program at Florida State and is a longtime donor St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, where he also worked as the Regional Director of fundraising for the Mid-Atlantic region.
Of all of his many endeavors, Hunter’s most treasured time is spent with his wife, Amber, growing the next generation conservationist in their daughter, Aspen.
Kathy Nissley
Early in her career, Kathy decided to take a break from nursing school to deliver yachts to the Virgin Islands. Nursing school never saw her again.
Kathy was first introduced to The Boat Company during a stop in Florida where she was hired to complete varnishing on the Liseron. As an island person, she never imagined a move to Alaska; but when offered a position on the boat, she conceded to a northern relocation. In the 21 years since then, Kathy has worked in almost every capacity, ultimately settling into her present office role where she handles all guest travel reservations with a personal touch. Though she was resistant to moving off the boat and into the office, she finds great joy in helping guests prepare for what she knows is going to be their trip of a lifetime. To complete her Boat Company fairytale, she found the love of her life in a carpenter on one of the boats. They’ve been together for 18 years.
Considering herself “allergic to the indoors,” Kathy converted a piece of land into a camp ground where she and her grandkids spend most every weekend. Furthering celebrating her love for the outdoors, you can find Kathy walking home from work everyday, escorted by her energetic Scottish Terrier.
Mary Ann Confar
After many years spent in the boating industry, Mary Ann found her way to Alaska and The Boat Company. Working on the Liseron, she served as an assistant to the chef in the summers and stayed aboard assisting with winter maintenance. An opportunity with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation called her back to “land work,” where she honed her technology and information management skills as a computer trainer. Mary Ann made one last stop before returning to The Boat Company and obtained her Masters in Library and Information Services from the University of Washington.
In her current role, Mary Ann refers to herself as The Boat Company’s “resident geek,” handling all technical and information management functions to ensure our guests have a seamless, personally tailored travel experience.
Good luck keeping up with Mary Ann when she’s not working. In the off hours, she fills her time teaching computer classes for local senior citizens, traveling to Europe with friends, working on her home, restoring a vintage 1970’s VW van she found on Craigslist, caring for her two rescue Yorkshire Terriers, and providing tech support for friends.
Ken Gerken
After 30 years spent in the maritime industry, Ken was a natural fit amongst The Boat Company family. Prior to joining us, his boating career took him throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and the U.S. Ken considers the highlights of his career to be his involvement in the America’s Cup in the early 80’s, and consulting with Steadfast Oceaneering where he spent three months on the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster operating side scan sonar to locate debris.
With The Boat Company since 2006, Ken oversees all operational, behind-the-scenes activities to ensure the efficiency, regulatory compliance, and performance of the boats and their crew. Despite having traveled around the world, Ken finds his current role offers the greatest variety in his day to day tasks – his favorite aspect of the job.
Originally from Chicago, Ken now lives in Washington where the boats go to hibernate in the winter. Those who know Ken describe him as a devoted father who passionately attends each and every one of his daughters’ soccer and volleyball games.
