Non-profit recreational fishing organization United Anglers of Southern California (UASC) today announced the appointment of four key people to serve on its Board of Directors. The announcement was made by Steve Fukuto, a fishing industry veteran who took over January 15, 2009 as President of the organization, celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year.
The new appointees include angling educator Jenny Armstrong, long-range expert and fishing tackle pro staffer Jan Howard, Southern California boat building legend Harold Davis and long-time outdoor editor and tournament director and Pat McDonell. These two women and two men come to UASC's board from diverse backgrounds, yet they share a strong and common bond - a deep passion for the sport of recreational fishing.
"We are very fortunate to have these fine people step up to join our Board of Directors," said Fukuto. "And when I say 'we,' I mean the organization as well as recreational anglers everywhere. We'll be facing unprecedented challenges in the coming months and years, and it's going to take strong leadership to guide us through these waters. I know and respect each one of these people, both personally and professionally. They are smart, determined, and most importantly, they care about the future of fishing in Southern California as much as I do. I've never been more excited about the future of UASC," Fukuto added.
Armstrong has been an avid saltwater angler for most her life, working as a deckhand aboard the Pacific Dawn as a teenager. She has been working with UASC as Outreach Coordinator and director of its Saltwater Woman program, promoting recreational fishing and offering hands-on education and instruction to female anglers. She has also been very active speaking at fishing clubs and other venues about Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) implementation and other issues important to anglers across the state. Married for 10 years with two young children, Armstrong was also recently recognized with a California Fishing Ambassador Award from the California Department of Fish & Game.
Jan Howard, who retired five years ago from the Orange County Airport after more than three decades of dedicated service, seriously took up saltwater fishing late in her life. She remembered fishing fondly from her childhood and when she overheard members of her staff planning a charter, she jumped onboard. It was a watershed moment in her life. Now a regular long-range adventurer with 14 200+ pound tuna to her credit, Howard regularly gives seminars and shares her angling expertise as a pro-staffer for Berkeley, Braid Fishing Products and Mustad. She is also a member in good standing of the LA Rod and Reel Club. Howard, who is married with two grown children, had previously served on the UASC Board of Directors.
Harold Davis is well known among California fishermen, particularly for the hardcore fishing boats that bear his name built in Paso Robles, California. Davis has a well-rounded professional background that includes stints in the commercial fishing, automotive and boat building industries. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Davis Boats - the mark of true success. He has been involved in the MLPA initiative since the beginning, working with stakeholders and decision makers in both the North Central and Central regions. In both 2008 and 2009, Davis was appointed to the State Interest Group (SIG) for the MLPA, a diverse 17-member oversight panel including people of all backgrounds and interests. Davis has a wife and adult son who works with him at Davis boats.
As a respected journalist and editor, Pat McDonell has been keeping fishermen and sportsmen well informed for 25 years, and is currently Editorial Director of Western Outdoor News and Western Outdoors magazine. McDonell was one of the founding board members of UASC and was on the Gillnet Initiative Committee that helped pass Proposition 132 in 1990. His experience following and reporting on the issues affecting marine habitat, fisheries management and recreational anglers will provide him with unique insight as he works with the industry, leadership and members of UASC to bring about positive change. He and Lynda, his wife of 31 years, have two adult children, Megan and Lauren.
The announcement of four new board members wasn't the only important news emanating from UASC headquarters this day. Fukuto also announced his naming of fishing industry veteran and long-time UASC staff member Dan Fink to serve in the new position of UASC Vice President.
"We plan to increase our level of activity and involvement in important issues like MLPA implementation, fighting destructive fishing gear, habitat enhancement, water quality and much more. We're facing tough challenges it is going to take a team effort to succeed," said Fukuto. "Dan has been closely involved with all these issues and has worked diligently on behalf of UASC and its members for many years. I know he'll be trusted assistant and advisor, and will help keep our organization moving forward in a positive direction," Fukuto added.
For more information on these new appointments, or on many fishing and conservation-oriented activities of UASC, contact (949) 863-9447 or visit www.unitedanglers.com.
