“The word ‘community’—we take it seriously,” says Keiller, manager of a nonprofit that trains novice sailors in Vero Beach, Florida. Nearly half of the 300 children who participate in the Youth Sailing Foundation (YSF) each year come from underserved communities, including homeless children. “We use sailing to teach kids character, resilience, and perseverance,” Keiller says. “It gives them self-esteem and confidence.” The foundation owns 80 sailboats and offers an adaptive sailing program.

With a 26-year career in the Navy and 40 years in the sports apparel industry, Keiller brought expertise in business, seamanship, and more to YSF. “He was and is a transformational leader,” says Bill Krueger, chair of the board of directors. “Stu provides the energy and the enthusiasm.”

Keiller, who majored in economics, wants to serve a wide community. “We went to schools and worked with principals to quickly recruit kids.” One was a middle school in Gifford, a historically Black neighborhood and one of the poorest communities in Florida. 

Keiller is now wrapping up permitting, approvals, and fundraising for a new $4.5 million community sailing center scheduled to break ground next May. When it opens in 2026, it will feature unobstructed views of the Indian River Lagoon, picnic pavilions, a playground, and an education center. “It will take its place alongside the museum, theater, and rowing club as a major cultural center for the community,” says Keiller.