Board Leadership
OfficersJosephine "Jojo" Pemberton
President & FounderJojo founded F.I.S.H. and leads its mission to advance ethical angling, protect marine ecosystems, and expand conservation-driven community programs across Southern California. She has been instrumental in establishing F.I.S.H.'s operational framework, developing its conservation-education model, and forging partnerships with local governments, environmental organizations, and the national kayak-fishing community, including a prominent presence at the USAngling Saltwater Kayak National Championship. Her vision guides the organization's strategic planning, program development, and governance, with a focus on stewardship, education, and habitat protection.
Louis Almeida
Vice PresidentLouis 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.
Debbie Patenaude
SecretaryDebbie 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 MembersDwayne Patenaude
Director of FundraisingDwayne 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.
Ken Pucillo
Director of TournamentsKen 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.
David Chavez
Director of EventsDavid 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.
Nick Piatek
Director of Information & Media SystemsNick 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.