RBFF adds more than 150 years of experience to board

The body at the forefront of efforts to grow participation in fishing and boating in the US has added more than 150 years of experience to its board with the recruitment of six new members.

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has announced the appointments of Louis Chemi (Freedom Boat Club), Carly Hysell (Garmin International), Wade Middleton (Careco TV), Bryan Seti (Yamaha Motor Corporation), Shelley Tubaugh (Grady-White Boats) and Kendra Wecker (Ohio Department of Natural Resources).

“All six of these respected leaders bring a wide breadth of experience, knowledge and leadership to the board,” said RBFF President & CEO Dave Chanda. “Their insights and perspectives will be vital as RBFF looks to continue its efforts to increase fishing and boating participation across the country.”

Louis Chemi is a lifelong angler who has worked for companies like Raymarine and Navico and currently leads the expansion of the Freedom Boat Club’s franchise business. He is a former board member of the American Sportfishing Association and the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Carly Hysell (main picture) is Associate Director of Public Relations across Garmin’s five business segments. She has been instrumental in dozens of key product launches.

Wade Middleton (above) is President and co-owner of Careco, one of the biggest outdoors production, marketing and airtime syndication operations in the US. He is also co-owner of The National Walleye Tour, The Texas Team Trail and The Inshore Fishing Association and creator of the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Championships.

Brian Seti is General Manager of the Yamaha Watercraft Group and has been chairperson of the board of directors of Grow Boating, the NMMA’s marketing arm.

Shelley Tubaugh’s leadership roles during her 34 years at Grady-White Boats take in customer relations, purchasing, human resources, marketing and sales. She is currently VP of Marketing.

Kendra Wecker is Chief of the Division of Wildlife at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, where she oversees efforts to manage and conserve fish and wildlife populations. During her 30 years at the department she has received multiple awards.