RFA Welcomes New Managing Director As The Fisherman Editor Joins Lobbying Effort

Galloway, NJ - February 17, 2009 - The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has announced the hiring of Jim Hutchinson, Jr. as the group's new Managing Director. Hutchinson joins the national saltwater lobbying group after seven years as fulltime editor for The Fisherman Magazine, the last 2 1/2 years as the weekly publication's Executive Editor.

"This is quite a coup for the RFA and our membership," said Jim Donofrio, the RFA's Executive Director. "Hutch has immersed himself in many national fisheries issues over the past few years and is extremely passionate about protecting angler access rights. We expect this to be a big year for the organization and our members."

Hutchinson joined The Fisherman as Managing Editor of the New Jersey edition in 2002 and was promoted to the magazine group's Long Island, NY headquarters as Executive Editor in 2006 following the retirement of publishing icon Pete Barrett. Hutchinson was later elected to the RFA's Executive Board of Directors. "Many folks in New York and New Jersey have gotten to know Hutch personally in the last few years, and his work on behalf of anglers and local businesses in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic is well-respected," Donofrio said. "I'm looking forward to introducing him to our national membership."

A Jersey Shore native and lifelong angler, Hutchinson has spent a lot of time traveling along the East Coast, but says he's well aware of the issues affecting Gulf and Pacific coast anglers as well. "I've had a great opportunity as an editor to get to know our national tackle manufacturers and boat reps, so I understand the business concerns and how the industry has been hammered by both economic factors and one-sided alliances," Hutchinson said. "From the MPA initiatives in California, Oregon and the southeastern United States, to questionable science hampering our Gulf and Atlantic Coast fisheries, these are serious issues that require revisiting through the legislative process."

Hutchinson believes his editorial work gives him valuable insight into the relationship between recreational anglers and business owners. "What's critical right now in terms of the success or failure of the recreational fishing industry can be found at the consumer level, with the individual fishermen," Hutchinson said. "As anglers, we're being denied access to our natural resources and shut out of the fisheries management decision-making process. Personally, I see RFA as the only consistent voice out there today on the side of recreational anglers' rights."

"Executive Editors, by their very nature, are organized, 'get-it-done' types, and that's exactly the kind of person RFA needs in this position," said RFA Executive Board member Dean Travis Clarke, himself being the Executive Editor of Sport Fishing Magazine, Marlin Magazine and Fly Fishing Salt Waters Magazine. "I'm thrilled that we've found someone of Jim's stature and capability," Clarke added.

Fellow Board member Dick Wood, President of outdoor media specialists H.D. Wood Advertising said "Jim's uncompromising work ethic, drive and dedication to the enhancement and expansion of recreational saltwater fishing encapsulates this agency's decade-long interaction with this true professional." Hutchinson was unanimously approved for the position by the RFA Executive Board on January 29 and officially joins the RFA fulltime as of February 23. "Hutchinson knows the issues and he knows the players, so you can expect him to hit the ground running," said Donofrio.

"I'm proud to join Jimmy (Donofrio) and the staff in working on behalf of our nation's saltwater fishermen. There's so much the RFA has accomplished thus far, but there's a lot more at stake in the future. I can't wait to get started," Hutchinson said. Hutchinson is married and splits time between his family residence in Forest Hills, NY and his hometown along the Jersey Shore.

To contact Jim Hutchinson, Jr. at the Recreational Fishing Alliance, email jhutchinson@joinrfa.org after February 23, 2009.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) is a national, 501(c)(4) non-profit grassroots political action organization that has been representing individual sport fishermen and the sport fishing industry since 1996. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. RFA members include individual anglers, boat builders, fishing tackle manufacturers, party and charter boat businesses, bait and tackle retailers, marinas, and many other businesses in fishing communities. For more information or to join call 888 JOINRFA (564-6732) or go to www.joinrfa.org.