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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.