NMMA’s Vasilaros to Lead CSP Government Relations Committee

Washington, D.C. – January 10, 2018 – The Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP), the nation’s leading advocate for saltwater recreational anglers, is pleased to announce Nicole Vasilaros as the new chairwoman of its Government Relations Committee – a CSP committee made up of recreational fishing and boating stakeholders focused on improving federal marine fisheries management policies.

Vasilaros, vice president of federal and legal affairs for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), brings to the Committee an extensive background in federal and state government affairs for the recreational boating industry. She succeeds Ted Venker, conservation director and TIDE editor for Coastal Conservation Association, who served as chairman of the Committee from 2015 – 2017.

“Nicole Vasilaros is an outstanding representative for the recreational boating industry, and we are honored for her to lead our Government Relations Committee,” said Jeff Angers president of CSP. “Her willingness to step into this role underscores our belief that recreational fishing and boating stakeholders benefit from working together toward our shared goal of maximizing public access to America’s public waters.”

CSP’s mission is to maximize opportunity for saltwater recreational anglers by organizing, focusing and engaging recreational fishing stakeholders to speak with one voice to shape federal marine fisheries management policy. As an organization of individuals and institutions, CSP promotes sustainable fishing; protects the American angling tradition; supports the economic impact of recreational fishing and boating; works with all stakeholders to fix broken marine fisheries management policies, and advocates for fair fishing rights for anglers. The recreational fishing and boating industries work hand in hand, with nearly 70 percent of boats purchased so owners can fish from them.

Vasilaros has been with NMMA for seven years and currently oversees NMMA’s federal government affairs work including recreational fisheries, natural resources, infrastructure and trade policy. Prior to NMMA, Vasilaros worked on Capitol Hill for two Florida members – Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas and Congressman Robert Wexler.

“The National Marine Manufacturers Association is a proud supporter of the Center for Sportfishing Policy,” said Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “Healthy marine fisheries and a vibrant recreational fishing industry is vital to the strength of the recreational boating industry, and we are excited for Nicole Vasilaros to take on this new, voluntary leadership role with our partners at CSP.”

For more information on CSP, visit www.sportfishingpolicy.com.

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