CCA NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

HOUSTON, TX – After an extensive nationwide search, Coastal Conservation Association selected conservation veteran Patrick Murray as president of the national organization at its meeting last week in Houston.

“Pat brings unparalleled expertise in the field of marine resource conservation, advocacy, fundraising, membership development and communication,” said Venable Proctor, chairman of CCA National. “He has an exceptional reputation in conservation circles throughout the nation and will be able to leverage his expertise and experience during a crucial time for fisheries management issues."

Murray has served in several capacities with CCA National, including Director of Communications and Director of Conservation. Most recently he was executive vice president of CCA National where he oversaw the organization’s advocacy, development and communication efforts, and coordinated the overall conservation strategy for the organization. He started with CCA in 1997 as an assistant director with CCA Texas, the organization’s largest state chapter, before being promoted to executive director in 2002. During his tenure CCA Texas’ membership increased to more than 50,000 active members.

“Murray’s depth and breadth of experience within CCA uniquely qualify him to lead the largest marine resource organization in the country during this important chapter in its history,” said Bob Hayes, CCA general counsel. “The combination of his business acumen and his vision for the role that recreational anglers will play in marine conservation will enable the organization to build on its history of success. He will be a tremendous asset to CCA and its 100,000 members.”

Murray has been a lifelong advocate for marine conservation issues and serves on a number of Boards, including the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, the University of Texas Marine Science Advisory Board, Texas A&M Harte Research Institute Board and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Board. He is a published author and serves as consulting editor for TIDE magazine.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to help lead the most successful group of marine conservationists in the country,” said Murray. “With so many great volunteers and such a strong Board and committee system, I am confident that, together, we will achieve great things in the conservation of our shared coastal marine resources.”

CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977 and has achieved landmark marine conservation victories, including net bans in several states, game fish status for several species important to recreational anglers, and historic bycatch reduction measures for the commercial fishing industry.