RBFF president to leave post
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Founding president and CEO of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Bruce E. Matthews, has decided to step down from his post and the search is on for his replacement, RBFF said yesterday in a release.
The RBFF Board has engaged JDG Associates of Rockville, Md., an executive search firm, to conduct the search for the next president.
Matthews has served in the RBFF leadership position since 1999, the year the non-profit organization was formed in response to Congressional action for the purpose of growing fishing and boating participation. His departure will coincide with RBFF’s midwinter board meeting scheduled for Jan. 31, at which time it hopes to introduce a new president/CEO.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve RBFF and its stakeholders these past seven years,” Matthews said. “With the organization’s direction, programs and staff in a great place, the timing is right for the Matthews family to return to Michigan,” Matthews said. “Although a difficult decision, the move is important for us at this time in our lives. I plan to assist RBFF’s next president in any way I can during the transition, and I will forever remain RBFF’s biggest advocate.”
In acknowledging Matthews’ announcement, Jeff Pontius, chairman of the RBFF Board, responded, “Family values are the keystone in RBFF’s efforts to encourage more Americans to get on the water together. We can’t argue with Bruce’s reasons for leaving to be closer to his family, and we wish him well.”
“We’ve just reaffirmed the RBFF’s mission at our Strategic Retreat,” said RBFF Vice Chairman Thom Dammrich, “so it’s an appropriate time to begin a leadership transition. We appreciate that Bruce will continue to provide oversight during the search and help with transition.”
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Paul Belford at Belford@jdgsearch.com. For more information about the RBFF, its mission and programs, visit www.RBFF.org.
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