Future Fisherman Foundation Board Appoints New Executive Director
by
Mary Jane Williamson
January 30, 2006, Alexandria, VA?\The Future Fisherman Foundation, the angler education and
recruitment arm of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), is
pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Bolinder, Arlington, Va.,
as the foundation’s new Executive Director. His appointment is
effective January 26, 2006.
Bolinder comes to the position with an
extensive background in strategic planning, partner relations and government
affairs. His background includes work as a Legislative Assistant to
a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives; Deputy Director, Office
of Federal-State Relations for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
and, most recently, advocating for the marine community before Members of Congress.
Bolinder holds a BA in Political Science from Gordon College in Massachusetts.
Bolinder is also a life-long angler having learned his fishing skills on the
largest cranberry bog in Massachusetts.
The foundation’s Board of Directors
chairman Jesse Simpkins, Marketing Director, Plano Molding Company, voiced
his support for Bolinder. “I’m
looking forward to working with Mike in his new role as Executive Director
for the Future Fisherman Foundation,” said Simpkins. “His
enthusiasm for our programs and his passion for fishing, coupled with
his experience and aptitude, will serve the foundation well. I encourage
all ASA members to extend a warm welcome to Mike and ask how they can
work with the foundation in 2006 and beyond.”
Bolinder extends
his thanks to the Board for the opportunity. “I’m
really excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” said Bolinder. “I’ve
been fishing since I’ve been able to hold a rod and I’m grateful
for the opportunity to bring the angling experience to young people in communities
across the United States.” Bolinder further said, “No pun intended,
but once a youngster is hooked on angling they will have a lifelong passion
for the sport; a love for the environment around them; and, of course, a lifetime
pursuit of “the big one that got away.”
The Future Fisherman
Foundation is the angler recruitment and education arm of the American Sportfishing
Association, the leading recreational fishing trade association. The Future
Fisherman Foundation unites the sportfishing industry with a nationwide network
of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups and youth organizations,
offering a variety of fishing and boating programs, equipment, and services
to community groups and schools across the country. These efforts help people
of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences that foster life-long
conservation ethics.
