The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has appointed several new members to its Board of Directors, including:

  • Toby O’Rourke, President & CEO, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA)
  • Douglas Craven, Natural Resources Director, Little Traverse Bay Bands of the Odawa Indians
  • Wayne Hubbard, Host and Producer, Urban American Outdoors
  • Ronnie Green, Professional Angler and Host of A Fishing Story

“We are thrilled to welcome Toby, Douglas, Wayne, and Ronnie to our Board of Directors,” said RBFF President & CEO Dave Chanda. “Outdoor recreation has seen extensive growth since the pandemic, with a record 175 million Americans seeking activities in the outdoors such as camping, hiking and fishing, with more casual participants than ever.

“Our new board members bring deep experience in leveraging a variety of strategies to meet and engage audiences and keep them connected to the outdoors. Their expertise will be vital as we work to drive and retain new increases in fishing and boating participation.”

Before assuming his role at KOA, Toby O’Rourke served as the company’s COO and SVP of marketing. In her 15 years with KOA, she has reportedly “fueled the modernization of the company through digital marketing and technology.” Before KOA, O’Rourke held positions in consumer product goods and consulting.

“I look forward to collaborating with RBFF and its Board of Directors over the next few years,” said O’Rourke. “In the past decade, we have witnessed significant transformations in outdoor hospitality, yet, at the core, people still seek time to connect with each other and nature through these experiences. The same can be said for fishing and boating. I am excited to work with RBFF to continue to meet people where they are and engage a robust cohort of participants.”

Douglas Craven has over 20 years of experience managing natural resources as the director of the Natural Resources department of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of the Odawa Indians, located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. In his role, he manages the Tribe’s 336-square-mile reservation and oversees the fishing and hunting licensing for Tribal members. Craven has also worked with many partner organizations serving on the boards of the MSU Environmental and Natural Resource Governance, Getting Kids Outdoors Emmet County, Great Lakes Fishery Trust Board and others.

“Over my career, I have found that the most effective management of our natural resources comes from a keen understanding of human interests and motivations as much as it does an understanding of ecosystems,” said Craven. “I am excited to be on RBFF’s Board of Directors and to work with the team to forge a path for increasing fishing and boating participation while honoring and conserving our natural resources.”

Wayne Hubbard is a veteran businessman and avid outdoorsman who co-founded Urban American Productions, LLC in 1999 to develop programming to meet beginner and average sportsmen, women and families to connect with nature, outdoor adventure and conservation. The company is the first African-American-owned and produced sports reality show. It has been nominated for five Emmys and has won over 80 broadcast awards.

“I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors at RBFF,” said Hubbard. “I strongly believe the outdoors is for everyone, and we can expand the audiences that participate by continuing to engage people and encourage them to recreate in the outdoors. RBFF has done a stellar job, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with this organization to further their mission to create more boaters and anglers.”

Ronnie Green’s career spans multiple industries. He is a former Marine who transitioned to the private sector with leadership roles at several healthcare companies. In 2014, he went into broadcasting, starting the show “A Fishing Story,” which follows the lives of entertainers, professional athletes and veterans who join Green for a day of fishing. The show has received multiple awards, including an Emmy.

“Storytelling is the bridge that connects hearts and inspires action,” said Green. “RBFF is doing phenomenal work, not only creating lifelong stories but also igniting a passion for fishing and boating across all audiences. I am excited to collaborate with RBFF to craft compelling stories and develop strategies that will engage and inspire the next generation of anglers and boaters nationwide.”

Go here for a complete list of RBFF’s Board of Directors.

Image courtesy Diamond Fishing