The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation announced Wednesday that Jeff Pontius was elected board chairman. Five other board positions and five new members were also announced. The group will help RBFF continue to try to grow participation in fishing and boating.
As of March 1, Pontius took over as chairman. He has been a member of the board for more than 10 years, bringing his experience as president and CEO of Zebco to the foundation. Taking over Pontius’ previous position of vice chairman is Ken Hammond of The Hammond Group, who has also service on the RBFF board. Craig Bonds of Texas Parks and Wildlife is now the treasurer and Yamaha Motor Corporation’s Dale Barnes is the secretary. Outgoing board chairman Jeff Marble will transition into a newly created seat, immediate past chair.
“As a longtime member of the fishing and boating industry, it’s clear the work that RBFF does is essential to the future of our sport,” Pontius said in a statement. “I’ve enjoyed my time on the board and look forward to making an even greater impact as board chair.”
The following new members have been added to the board: Colleen Callahan, director, Illinois department of natural resources, Thom Dammrich, president emeritus, National Marine Manufacturers Association; Kathy Fennel, executive vice president and general manager, Fishing League Worldwide; Jon Schlosser, vice president of marketing, Pure Fishing; and Phil Smoker, vice president of sales, Starcraft/Smoker Craft Inc.
“We have big goals at RBFF and our board of directors has always helped steer us in the right direction,” RBFF president and CEO Frank Peterson said in the statement. “I’m excited by the expertise represented by our board and look forward to the fresh perspectives on the biggest challenges our community is facing.”
