Jimmy Laird

As we reflect on IAMI’S past, we would like to acknowledge someone who has been a consistent contributor to IAMI from its inception. He was with our founder, Dave MacGillis, in 1989 in New Orleans, where the first marine training was held.  The idea of an Association was planted, and in 1991, NAMI was born. He holds Membership #3. He is a genuine individual with honor, and integrity and has a great sense of humor!

This dedicated individual has thirty-seven years of supporting IAMI, serving six years on the Board of Directors before becoming President of IAMI in 1998, in Orlando, Florida.

In addition, his involvement included arranging NAMI/IAMI Instructors to conduct training at the USCG Training Center, Yorktown, and later at FLETC in Charleston, South Carolina, at the Coast Guard Training Center.  He has taught at eighteen Annual Training Seminars, organized two Regional Training Seminars, and instructed at multiple in-service trainings.  He was the organizer of the 1996 Biloxi ATS.  IAMI had some major financial uncertainties at the time, and the BOD’s were concerned about having enough money to cover the seminar costs.  This individual secured a personal line of credit, let me repeat that, a personal line of credit, just in case the seminar didn’t make enough to cover the cost. It turned out to be a very successful ATS with 259 attendees, and he didn’t have to use it.   IAMI left Biloxi with a financial surplus.

He was instrumental in turning our Association International into an international organization by being the first IAMI President to make an official trip to Europe to represent IAMI’s commitment to an International organization.

With the implementation of the Certified Marine Investigator program at the 2004 Palm Beach ATS, he earned his CMI certification (#006). He has been involved with just about every phase of this association over the years and continues to be a valuable resource for IAMI and our members.