Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (May 3, 2017) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced the hiring of former New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Director, Dave Chanda, as Vice-President of State Agency Engagement. Chanda will help RBFF increase fishing participation to 60 million anglers annually (the 60 in 60 goal) by working to improve angler and boater recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) practices and programs among state agencies throughout the country.

“We know reaching the 60 million angler mark will take considerable effort from the industry and our state agency partners,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “Dave’s vast knowledge of how state fish and wildlife agencies operate will be a tremendous asset in implementing efficient and effective angler and boater R3 programs at state agencies across the country, and to reaching the 60 in 60 goal.”

Dave Chanda comes to RBFF after a 37-year career with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, including the last 11 years as that agency’s Director. Chanda is the former president of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and was a key player on RBFF’s Board of Directors for nine years. In his new role beginning June 1, 2017, Dave will analyze and optimize the angler and boater R3 efforts of state agencies across the country.

“RBFF’s mission to increase fishing and boating participation is one that’s been incredibly relevant my entire career,” said Chanda. “I look forward to transforming my years of experience at a state fish and wildlife agency into actionable programs and recommendations for RBFF’s state agency partners to implement.”

RBFF is committed to the 60 in 60 goal and understands that effective angler and boater R3 programs at the state agency level is critical to realizing this goal. Along with customized approaches for state agencies, Chanda will be promoting the use of RBFF’s free R3 resources among all state agencies. Learn more about these resources and others in the RBFF Resource Center.

About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)

RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to create awareness around boating, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation. Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar help boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign websites, TakeMeFishing.org, and VamosAPescar.org, feature how-to videos, information on how to get a fishing license and boat registration, and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots.