Alexandria, VA – October 16, 2018 – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) appointed a new Executive Committee as well as ex-officio members to the board of directors during the 2018 Sportfishing Summit, the recreational fishing industry's annual business meeting held October 9-12, just outside Charleston, S.C.

This annual fall business meeting brought together more than 200 fishing and boating industry and community leaders to provide a venue to discuss the issues impacting recreational fishing during committee meetings, networking events, general sessions and the association’s board of directors meetings.

Board of Directors Appoints Executive Committee

During the Summit, the following individuals joined Chris Megan, publisher, On the Water, LLC, Chairman; and Kirk Immens, president, Sportco Marketing Group, Immediate Past Chairman, on ASA’s Executive Committee. The board of directors appointed Zack Swanson, general manager and vice president of Sales, Rapala, as Vice Chairman; Dan McDonald, president, Yakima Bait Company, as Treasurer; Louis Chemi, COO, Freedom Boat Club, as Secretary; and Jessie Simpkins, director of Marketing, St. Croix Rods, as At-large member.

Dave Bulthuis, vice president, Government Affairs and Industry Relations, Costa; Neil Eibeler, CEO, Pure Fishing; Carey Graves, vice president of Sales, Daiwa Corporation; Kenneth S. Hammond, CEO, The Hammond Group; and Phil Lillo, owner, ‎Don Coffey Group, were appointed as ex-officio board members.

Foley Appointed ASA Lifetime Board Member

Peter Foley, president of Boone Bait Company, was unanimously appointed a life-time board of directors member. Foley has devoted decades of his time and experience to the association, having served numerous terms as a board member, Executive Committee member and board Chairman from 1985 – 1986. He also holds the title of Treasurer Emeritus.

"I want to thank these individuals for their support and commitment and look forward to working with them to advance the association and the sportfishing industry," said ASA President Glenn Hughes. "The experience and perspectives that these members bring to the board of directors will continue to serve the industry well."

The 2019 Sportfishing Summit Location

The 2019 Sportfishing Summit is scheduled for October 8-11, at Skamania Lodge located on the Columbia River Gorge, in Stevenson, Wash.

Thank You 2018 Sportfishing Summit Sponsors

The American Sportfishing Association extends its thanks to the following companies and agencies for their generous support of the 2018 Sportfishing Summit.

Premium – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pure Fishing, Inc. and USDA – Forest Service.

Gold – Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Costa, Southwick Associates, TakeMeFishing/Vamos A Pescar and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

Silver – Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Engel Coolers, Forbes-Tate Partners, Freeman, Map Your Show, National Marine Electronics Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Wired2fish, Inc. and Womble Carlyle.