Board of Directors

F.I.S.H. Leadership: The Fishing Initiative for Stewardship & Habitat is guided by a dedicated board committed to ethical angling, marine conservation, youth education, and the long-term protection of California's coastal and inland waterways.

Board Leadership

Officers
LA

Louis Almeida

Vice President

Louis leads organizational operations, partnership development, and the strategic expansion of F.I.S.H.'s conservation programs. With a background in multi-sector operations and nonprofit governance, he oversees habitat restoration collaborations, ethical-angling education, and the organization's growing portfolio of community events. His work ensures every program is grounded in safety, compliance, and measurable environmental impact.

DP

Debbie Patenaude

Secretary

Debbie plays a central role in organizational governance, record-keeping, and communications. Known for her precision and commitment to community service, she manages board documentation, compliance records, grant materials, and event coordination, ensuring F.I.S.H. operates with the transparency and accountability that grantmaking institutions and agency partners require.

Board of Directors

4 Members
DP

Dwayne Patenaude

Director of Fundraising

Dwayne leads F.I.S.H.'s development strategy, donor engagement, and revenue-building efforts. He oversees sponsorship development, donor relations, and fundraising events that directly support habitat restoration, ethical-angling education, and youth engagement. His ability to build relationships with local businesses and outdoor industry partners has strengthened F.I.S.H.'s long-term sustainability.

KP

Ken Pucillo

Director of Tournaments

Ken oversees the planning, execution, and safety management of F.I.S.H.'s conservation-focused fishing events. He leads rules development, angler safety protocols, scoring oversight, and agency coordination. His professionalism and deep knowledge of tournament operations has elevated F.I.S.H.'s standing in the regional and national kayak-fishing community, including events tied to the USAngling Saltwater Kayak National Championship.

DC

David Chavez

Director of Events

David leads the planning, coordination, and execution of F.I.S.H.'s community events, workshops, and angler-education programs. He manages logistics, volunteer coordination, and on-site operations for events ranging from youth fishing clinics to large-scale conservation tournaments, all designed to be safe, inclusive, and mission-aligned. His collaborative leadership has expanded F.I.S.H.'s presence across Southern California.

NP

Nick Piatek

Director of Information & Media Systems

Nick leads F.I.S.H.'s digital strategy, media infrastructure, and technology-driven outreach. He oversees website operations, media content, data systems, and technology support for events and tournaments. His video production expertise, developed through STIX Outdoors, strengthens the organization's conservation storytelling. A competitive kayak angler and multi-event USAngling Nationals qualifier, Nick brings both technical depth and on-the-water credibility to his role. He's also received Congressional Recognition twice for his role in environmental stewardship.