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Contact: Matt Smythe, (585) 406-5525, matt.smythe@affta.org
BOZEMAN, MT. – With an unprecedented ballot of 15 candidates vying for seven open seats, AFFTA is pleased to announce the election results for the 2019 Board of Directors: Lucas Bissett (Owner/guide, Low Tide Charters); Hogan Brown (guide and Marketing Director, Cast Hope); Jim Bartschi (President, Scott Fly Rods); Joel LaFollette (Owner, Royal Treatment Fly Fishing); Pat Straub (Owner/guide, Gallatin River Guides); Russ Coburn (President/CEO Jans Mountain Recreation Experts); Andy Dunn (Purchasing Manager, Anglers All Fly Shop).
“We are very fortunate to have an industry as full of talented, dedicated leaders as we do,” said AFFTA president, Ben Bulis. “To have this many high-caliber candidates step up and put themselves out there is indicative of the passion that’s inherent in the fly angling community to get involved and play an active role in ensuring the long-term health and growth of our sport and industry. This was not an easy vote by any stretch of the imagination.”
The election was open to all current AFFTA members via online ballot from October 1st – 12th. The results were announced and ratified at the Board’s Q4 meeting in Denver on October 15th. Additionally, the Executive Committee was confirmed with Colby Trow (Owner, Mossy Creek Fly Fishing) named as Board Chair, Brent Bauer (Director of Product, Umpqua Feather Merchants) as Vice Chair, Lucas Bissett as Secretary, and Tag Kleiner (VP of Marketing, Far Bank) as Treasurer.
“I’m proud and excited to help lead such a committed group of industry professionals,” said Trow, the new Board Chair. “There’s a whole lot of good energy coming in with our new board members that I know will keep our momentum going strong into 2019 and beyond. We have a tremendous team in place,” he adds. “It’s an exciting time for our industry, for sure.”
AFFTA advocates for and promotes the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry. By igniting consumer demand for products and services, providing businesses the tools to be successful, and advocating for access, protection and restoration of fishing waters, we will continue to enhance the passion and profitability of the sport of fly fishing.