Our People

Missy Johnston, owner of Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters in Newport, RI, has had a tremendous influence on the evolution of the Yacht Charter Business over the past two decades. Missy has been a member of the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA) since 1991, Secretary from 1995-97, Vice President from 1998 to 2000 and President from 2000 to 2002. She also has been a member of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) since 2005.

Missy participated in writing and shaping the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1995 pertaining to the interests of the yacht charter industry, and served as the liaison to the U.S. Coast Guard, meeting with the appropriate committees in Congress as the law was conceived and enacted. Missy also serves on other worldwide industry yacht charter committees.  She looks forward to helping you with all of your charter interests!

Read an interview with Missy about the May 2008 Charter Show on Poros, Greece by CharterWave

Read an interview with Missy by CharterWave

Carolyn Cox Titus, a yacht charter broker and yacht charter manager, offers a high level of experience, expertise and knowledge in Charter Sales, Yacht Management and Crew Placement to the N&J team. Carolyn is well respected in the charter industry worldwide.

With over 27 years of experience in the business, Carolyn brings a unique aspect of expertise to N&J, as she managed, operated and directed the Nautor Swan charter fleet. She started and operated Cox Marine Ltd. before joining Northrop and Johnson. She has been an integral part of the development of yacht charters and has encouraged the high level of professionalism that is prevalent in the industry today.

Her experience also includes being one of the founding members of the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA) and one of the charter brokers that created and introduced the San Remo Yacht Meeting (which developed into today’s Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) Genoa Show) , where she held a position on the Board for the first 13 years of the Meeting before retiring.

Carolyn sailed as a junior sailor at Larchmont Yacht Club and continues to cruise and race to this day. She has participated in the annual St. Maarten Heineken Regatta since 1996 – every year she organizes a race program comprised of a 22 person crew. She spends her time, energy and vacations focusing on yachts and yachting and is eager to help you create an unforgettable yacht charter experience!

Read an interview with Carolyn by CharterWave

Chantal Maxwell, Northrop and Johnson’s Yacht Charter Coordinator, joined the company in March of 2008 and has quickly settled in to the yacht charter world. A Dean’s List graduate of Bryant University in North Smithfield, RI, Chantal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology and Marketing, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the N&J team.

Joining the company to perform mainly administrative tasks, Chantal quickly shifted her focus to Marketing, working extensively with Charter Brokers’ Missy Johnston and Carolyn Titus to increase the company’s online presence through social networking and web site placement.

Dedicated to upholding the high level of service and quality that Northrop and Johnson offers its clientele, Chantal values and enjoys the excellent customer service standards that the Northrop and Johnson adheres to.

Chantal has taken on the responsibility of organizing yacht day charters for N&J in Newport, RI as well as other neighboring areas. As a member of the Newport Yacht Charter Association, she is ready to help you plan an exciting and memorable day on the water!

Polly Barnes , Northrop and Johnson’s Yacht Charter staff writer, has been creating the lovely itineraries, blogs, web page information especially about Destinations and other marketing materials that Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters may need over the past 5 years.

Polly has a Masters in English from the University of Rhode Island, which combined with her past experience as a sailor and charter yacht crew, make Polly the perfect person to write about yacht charters around the world.

David J. Leahy, Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charter's Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing brings a strong background of corporate sales, marketing and financial experience to guide the company with his expertise and knowledge, having previously directed several large companies before joining N&J.

David travels extensively and attends industry charter shows and seminars in various locations to keep up to date on the industry and international trends.