Additionally, with the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the U.S, anglers and boaters must know the part they must play in slowing the spread of AIS if we are to protect our lakes and streams for future generations. As such, the FAF partners with state and federal agencies and other conservation-oriented non-profits to assist in educating anglers and boaters on how to become to become good stewards of the water by knowing the steps they should take to slow the spread of AIS.
The FAF is utilizing angler/boater education and outreach to help reverse the attrition that has taken place in the sportfishing and boating over the past few decades, and to support the R3 efforts that strive to bring the next generation participants to the outdoors. FAF does so through the use of networking and its hands on grassroots approach that has proven to be extremely effective and through the digital content that we have created that now make millions of impressions annually. It is our opinion that participation in outdoor activities like fishing are at the core of the American way of life and essential to the future of our nation as we know it.
The majority of the Future Angler Foundation’s management is provided by Patrick Neu, FAF President, with oversight from the FAF Board of Directors. The FAF currently has no paid employees but is working with independent contractors to that handle the: FAF grant administration, social media admin, fund raising activities, website management, accounting function, digital content creation and product distribution for FAF supported programs. Funding is provided by partner contributions, donations from the general public, donations from businesses, grants from government agencies and grants from other nonprofit organizations.
The FAF is overseen by its board of directors who have extensive experience in areas such as: AIS prevention, industry advocacy, angler education and sales/marketing. The board includes: Patrick Neu-FAF President & NPAA President; Kevin VanDam, professional bass anglings most recognized angler and accomplished tackle/marine industry businessman; Thom Dammrich, past President of the National Marine Manufacturers Assoc. and current/past board member for numerous boating/fishing industry associations; Jim Schiefelbein, passionate about angling and a successful entrepreneur and marketing expert with vast experience in numerous industries including the fishing industry; Sam Calabro, avid angler/past sales/marketing executive at Union Pacific Railroad who is acting as the FAF’s Vice President-Industry Relations; Jesse Simpkins, senior marketing director for St. Croix Rods and past board chairman for the American Sportfishing Assoc.; Chris Horton, Senior Director, Midwestern States/Fisheries Policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.