What is AFFTA?
The American Fly Fishing Trade Association is a community of fly fishing businesses joined together under one banner. That community makes up a powerful trade association. This trade association represents, fights for and unifies our industry around the values and ethos found within those who make up the industry. Without this type of representation the fly fishing industry would not have the power, voice or recognition it currently does, everywhere from Washington D.C. down to the smallest fisheries in the country. The AFFTA community and banner provide strength, advocacy, conservation and innovation.
AFFTA’s mission is to guide the sustainable growth of the fly fishing industry through Trade Development and Stewardship.
How Does AFFTA Operate?
AFFTA utilizes these committees to provide oversight and feedback on the issues that matter to the businesses of fly fishing
Executive Committee
The charge of the EXCOM is to develop a strategic plan for the Association and oversee the business and affairs of AFFTA to accomplish the mission and objectives of the Association.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is tasked with increasing membership and adding value by developing and offering member benefits that promote the growth and success of member businesses and the industry. Current benefits are reviewed annually and renegotiated if needed. New benefits, or proposed benefits are presented at quarterly board meetings for approval by the Board. Implementation of benefits and communication to AFFTA membership is done by the Membership Committee with support from AFFTA staff. The committee reviews and sets membership categories and annual rates annually.
Nominations Committee
Throughout the calendar year, AFFTA’s Nominating Committee shall work to identify qualified individuals to fill upcoming Director vacancies; specifically targeting members to fill the designated member(s) categories. In selecting nominees for election to the Board, the Nominating Committee shall give due regard, and act in good faith, to assure that the membership of the Board accurately reflects the segments of the fly fishing industry as described in Article VI, Section 2.
Government Affairs and Alliances Committee
GAA is charged with monitoring current and emerging public polices, fostering relationships with members of Congress, other conservation and recreation agencies and organizations, and state and federal government leaders to ensure that fly fishing interests are represented when public policy decisions are made.
Marketing and Communication Committee
The Marketing and Communications Committee is charged with overseeing the marketing function of the Association by developing and managing existing and alternative member recruitment programs. The committee is also charged with developing ways to best share news and information and to foster a dialogue on issues important to the fly fishing industry.
Finance Committee
The Treasurer shall serve as the Committee Chairman. The Executive Director shall be a non-voting member of the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is charged with overseeing all financial matters of the Association. In an effort to keep AFFTA Board Members and Officers better informed on the financial condition of the organization, financial reporting is completed by this committee on a monthly basis. The Finance Committee, in consultation with the Executive Director, prepares an annual budget that is approved by the Board prior to the start of each fiscal year.
Show and Summit Committee
The focus of the Show and Summit Committee is to work on creating a compelling and profitable industry trade show (Confluence) and to develop an event focused on educational opportunities for the industry (Industry Summit).
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
The DEI Committee was established in late 2020 to help AFFTA be a leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices to benefit the membership with those practices and resources. We believe that we can successfully be leaders in DEI work for the industry and provide not just practice the work ourselves as a staff, board and our own companies, but also provide resources including but not limited to a toolkit of content, seminars and eventually a contact list of consultants and other folks for companies that want to go further in their journey to work with.
Who is AFFTA?
The Officers of the Board
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Corinne Doctor
CHAIR
Manufacturer- North Point Brands
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Jin Choi
VICE CHAIR
Retailer- St. Pete’s Fly Shop
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Nick Conklin
TREASURER
Manufacturer- TFO Rods
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Joe Wolthuis
SECRETARY
Manufacturer- Scientific Anglers
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Beth Brennan
Media- Tread
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Harris Buddig
Manufacturer- Patagonia
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Hilary Hutcheson
Retailer- Lary’s Fly and Supply
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Joe Wolthius
Manufacturer- Scientific Anglers
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Nick Conklin
Manufacturer- Temple Fork Outfitters
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Hogan Brown
Guide- HGB Fly Fishing
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Patrick Berry
Association- Fly Fishers International
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Tyler O'Neill
Individual Affaliate
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Ryan Hamilton
Manufacturer- Far Bank
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Jillian Tisdale
Retailer- Seven Mile Fly Shop
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Corinne Doctor
Manufacturer- North Point Brands
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Jim Bartschi
Manufacturer- Scott Fly Rods
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Tim Volk
Manufacturer- Lamson
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Jin Choi
Retailer- St. Pete’s Fly Shop
AFFTA STAFF
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Lucas Bissett
AFFTA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Chelsea Parker
AFFTA FINANCE AND MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
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Dominic Bruno
AFFTA COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR
AFFTA CONSULTANTS
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Matt Mullin
Capitol Hill Advisor
High Street Strategies
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Kenji Haroutunian
AFFTA DEI Consultant
Kenji Consults
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