Over the coming weeks we will announce our new MemberWise Ambassadors who will champion their particular area of expertise. Introducing MemberWise Ambassador (International), Naomi Taylor, Membership and Professional Services Director, The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

IMarEST is the global, multidisciplinary community for marine engineers, scientists, and technologists, supporting our members’ professional journey through every career stage. Institute members gain international recognition, lifelong learning, and access to expert networks, technical resources, and career development opportunities. They collaborate with like-minded professionals to shape the future of the marine sector and drive real-world impact through global engagement and influence.

Naomi leads the strategic and operational delivery of Membership Services and Professional Development, ensuring an exceptional member experience while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism across our core offerings. A key part of her role is strengthening relationships with industry partners to support business growth and enhance both our B2B and B2C propositions.

As the Institute’s Membership & Professional Services Director, Naomi is responsible for shaping and delivering long-term membership strategies, evolving a compelling and relevant member value proposition, and ensuring professional development programmes remain aligned with industry standards and accreditation requirements. She also oversees the Institute’s learning and development portfolio, ensuring that content and programmes meet the evolving continuing professional development (CPD) needs of members throughout their careers.

Naomi has 15 years of membership experience mostly in Professional Engineering Institutes. Many of the institutes she has worked in have had a large pool of international members.

Her latest achievements including launching a new professional register standard (Marine Technologists register), overhauling the Institute’s Fellowship standard to make it more accessible and clear, leading to significant growth and the launch of new markets internationally for membership and accreditation services.

Following her music degree at SOAS, University of London, Naomi was keen to build a career in the charity and not-for-profit sector. An opportunity at the Institute of Physics introduced her to membership, where she discovered a passion for engaging communities, supporting professionals, and developing membership strategies, leading to a long and rewarding career in the sector.

Her current priorities at the Institute are strengthening member engagement and retention, delivering a compelling value proposition, and ensuring excellent membership and professional development services. A key challenge is balancing operational efficiency with a personalised member experience, while driving international growth to maintain global relevance, expand reach, and support long-term sustainability.

We asked Naomi about her experience of engaging with the MemberWise Network:

“I remember going to my first Memberwise conference in Russel Square around 15 years ago! I have been involved ever since, both as a member of the group, delegate, mentor and then helping out as a volunteer at the events for the past few years.”

“I will promote international membership growth by sharing global acquisition strategies, championing cultural sensitivity, and advocating member value propositions tailored to diverse audiences worldwide.”

We asked Naomi if she could recommend just one thing to a membership/association professional starting out in a role similar to hers, what would it be?

“My advice would be to spend more time listening than talking, especially in your first few months. Get to know your members and, just as importantly, your volunteers. Volunteers often have the deepest understanding of member needs, challenges and expectations, and they usually want the organisation to succeed as much as you do. By building strong relationships with them and genuinely listening to their insights, you’ll gain invaluable perspective that will help you make better decisions and deliver greater value for your members.”

We asked Naomi something unusual/unique about her:

“Once upon a time I was a professional double bassist! Classical, jazz, musical theatre – you name it!”

We welcome Naomi on board as MemberWise Ambassador (International) and we look forward to her championing the critical task of  retaining, recruiting and engaging with members on an international level.