RBFF Adds Seasoned Outdoor Recreation Professionals to Board of Directors
Incoming board members to bring new perspectives from different corners of the outdoor sector and expertise in engaging a variety of audiences
ALEXANDRIA, VA (March 17, 2025) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced the addition of Toby O’Rourke, President & CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc (KOA), Douglas Craven, Natural Resources Director of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Wayne Hubbard, host and producer of the award-winning program Urban American Outdoors, and Ronnie Green, professional angler and host of A Fishing Story to its Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Toby, Douglas, Wayne and Ronnie to our Board of Directors,” said RBFF President & CEO Dave Chanda. “Outdoor recreation has seen extensive growth since the pandemic with a record 175 million Americans seeking activities in the outdoors such as camping, hiking and fishing, with more casual participants than ever. Our new board members bring deep experience in leveraging a variety of strategies to meet and engage audiences and keep them connected to the outdoors. Their expertise will be vital as we work to drive and retain new increases in fishing and boating participation.”
O’Rourke is known as a thought leader and visionary in the outdoor recreation industry. Prior to assuming the role President and CEO at KOA, she served as the company’s Chief Operations Officer and Sr. Vice President of Marketing. In her 15 years with KOA, she has fueled the modernization of the company through digital marketing and technology. Before KOA, O’Rourke held positions in consumer product goods and consulting.
“I look forward to collaborating with RBFF and its Board of Directors over the next few years,” said O’Rourke. “In the past decade, we have witnessed significant transformations in outdoor hospitality, yet, at the core, people still seek time to connect with each other and nature through these experiences. The same can be said for fishing and boating. I am excited to work with RBFF to continue to meet people where they are and engage a robust cohort of participants.”
Craven has more than 20 years’ experience managing natural resources as the Director of the Natural Resources Department of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. In his role, he both manages the Tribe’s 336 square mile reservation, as well as oversees the fishing and hunting licensing for Tribal members. Craven has also worked with many partner organizations serving on the boards of the MSU Environmental and Natural Resource Governance, Getting Kids Outdoors Emmet County, Great Lakes Fishery Trust Board and others.
“Over my career, I have found that the most effective management of our natural resources comes from a keen understanding of human interests and motivations, as much as it does an understanding of ecosystems,” said Craven. “I am excited to be on RBFF’s Board of Directors and to work with the team to forge a path for increasing fishing and boating participation while honoring and conserving our natural resources.”
Hubbard is a veteran businessman and avid outdoorsman, who co-founded Urban American Productions, LLC in 1999. At that time, most outdoor sporting shows targeted avid participants and felt unapproachable. He saw an opportunity to develop programming that would meet beginner and average sports men, women and families from all backgrounds to help them connect with nature, outdoor adventure and conservation. Urban American Outdoors is the first African American owned and produced sports reality show and has been nominated for five EMMYs and won more than 80 broadcast awards over the years.
“I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors at RBFF,” said Hubbard. “I strongly believe the outdoors is for everyone, and we can expand the audiences that participate by continuing to engage people and encourage them to recreate in the outdoors. RBFF has done a stellar job and I'm looking forward to collaborating with this organization to further their mission to create more boaters and anglers.”
Green’s career spans multiple industries, exhibiting his leadership and board expertise in business and creativity. Green is a former Marine who transitioned to the private sector with leadership roles at several healthcare companies. In 2014, he made the leap into broadcast, starting A Fishing Story– a show that follows the lives of people with tremendous life experiences, such as entertainers, professional athletes, veterans, as they join Green on a day fishing. The show has received multiple awards, including an Emmy.
"Storytelling is the bridge that connects hearts and inspires action," said Ronnie Green. "The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is doing phenomenal work, not only creating lifelong stories but also igniting a passion for fishing and boating across all audiences. I am excited to collaborate with RBFF to craft compelling stories and develop strategies that will engage and inspire the next generation of anglers and boaters nationwide."
A complete list of RBFF’s Board of Directors is available online.
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About RBFF
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is a nonprofit whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. To help recruit, retain and reactivate participants, RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ brands which educate the public on fishing, boating and conservation while inspiring them to hit the water. RBFF offers consumer research, website plugins, marketing education and shareable content to help better connect industry stakeholders and government agencies with their customers.