Cliff Richardson Named Next CEO of Divers Alert Network

During Ziefle’s tenure, DAN’s membership and insurance programs grew significantly, and the organization’s role in diving research and emergency response expanded. When asked about passing the torch. Ziefle said,

“Cliff’s understanding of our industry and his forward-looking leadership make him the right person to guide DAN into its next chapter.”

Richardson—who began his career in the US Army before becoming a dive instructor—has held senior roles in both the private and public sectors. He previously served as Executive Director and CEO of NAUI Worldwide and has more than two decades of leadership experience in the diving industry and beyond. As President and CEO, Richardson will oversee DAN’s global missions to assist injured divers, advance dive safety, and expand programs in research, education, membership, and insurance.

“I am honored to take the helm and carry forward DAN’s legacy of serving divers and to keep the organization at the leading edge of diving safety and medicine,” Richardson stated. “Together with our dedicated staff, members, and partners, DAN will build upon its history of helping divers in need while working across the dive community to make our sport even safer in the years to come.”

Richardson and Ziefle are scheduled to address the dive industry and host a DAN member appreciation event at the DEMA Show 2025 in Orlando on November 11. Richardson will outline his vision for the organization in 2026 and beyond.

Founded more than 45 years ago, DAN is widely regarded as the world’s leading dive safety organization. Its global network provides medical services, research, education, and emergency response for hundreds of thousands of divers each year.