Coastal Conservation Association Of California Names New Assistant Director
The following press release is courtesy of the Coastal Conservation Association of California:
CCA California Hires Tonie Bangos as New Assistant Director
New hire comes on the heels of great organizational success in California since 2015
The Coastal Conservation Association of California (CCA CAL) has hired Tonie Bangos as its new Assistant Director, bolstering its staff going into critical battles in the Golden State.
“I’m extremely excited to welcome Tonie to our team as we transition to a brand new year in 2024,” said Chris Arechaederra, Assistant Director for CCA CAL. “Tonie brings a wealth of experience in many different fields, and has already made meaningful contributions to our industry. We are very fortunate to be able to add her to our hard-working team.”
Bangos previously worked on the Grande out of H&M Landing in San Diego, and also films and produces a weekly segment called “The Sportboat Roundup” featured on BD Outdoors. Before that, she had worked at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, the Alaska SeaLife Center, and has been a volunteer with the Balboa Angling Club White Seabass Grow Out Pens. Before the landing in the San Diego sportboat scene, she also served as a deckhand at the SaltWater Safari Lodge in Seward, Alaska.
“I feel honored to be a part of CCA and to be able to work with the individuals who are just as passionate about the future of our coastal resources and angler involvement as I am,” said Bangos. “I hope to make a positive impact within the chapters and help guide expansion with new chapters.”
Earlier this year, Bangos obtained her 100-ton Masters License from the U.S. Coast Guard. She also holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Marine Biology from California State University, Long Beach.
“The amazing efforts of CCA CAL on behalf of the coastal sportfishing community are growing today at a fast pace, as are programs benefiting anglers,” said Doug Lasko, president of CCA CAL and Okuma Fishing Tackle. “It’s imperative that this work continues, and adding Tonie will help ensure that CCA CAL moves forward stronger than ever.”
Going forward, Bangos will oversee the majority of the chapter network and all chapter activities in regards to fundraising and membership. She also will participate and work in areas of advocacy as well, assisting the CCA CAL Government Relations Committee and its members.
The Assistant Director role is one of two positions CCA CAL has sought to fill, the other being the Director of Advocacy. The Director of Advocacy responsibilities will include the attendance and representation of CCA CAL at public meetings held by government agencies such as the California Fish and Game Commission, Pacific Fisheries Management Council, California Coastal Commission, and California State Legislature, as well as local agencies. The director of advocacy will also work with the CCA CAL Government Relations Committee and the group’s full-time lobbyist in the California State Capitol to achieve CCA CAL’s advocacy goals.
For more information, please visit ccacalifornia.org.
ABOUT CCA CAL: The Coastal Conservation Association of California was created in 2015 when recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts came together to work for the conservation and enhancement of our marine resources and coastal environments. Today, CCA CAL works to protect not only the health, habitat, and sustainability of our marine resources, but also the interests of saltwater anglers. CCA CAL’s goal is to protect access to the marine resources that anglers cherish and enjoy every day. CCA CAL consists of members spread across local chapters in California and growing every day.
