RVTU held its annual reorganizational meeting last Wednesday nighit at the Califon Fire Hall. Members of the board presented a recap of 2025 as well as a look forward at our plans for a successful 2026. Notably, we also held elections to board and executive committee positions, and received new volunteers to build out our committees. Volunteers are crucial for an organization like ours – without the active engagement of our members, we can’t fulfill our mission. This is no small deal – a smooth and successful leadership transition is the sign of a vibrant and healthy volunteer organization. Here is a summary of the changes introduced at the meeting.
The biggest change was to the role of Chapter President. Jim Kinney stepped down after 7 years as our chapter president. The chapter presented him with a gift certificate and hand painted copy of the RVTU logo in appreciation of his service over the years. Jim is being replaced as RVTU president by the current Vice President, Tim Segada.
Stepping up to fill the now vacant Vice President position is Warren “Randy” Starr. Randy was the driving force last year behind the hugely successful “Veterans Fishing Event” where we arranged for a busload of veterans from the Lyons VA Hospital to enjoy a day of trout fishing at the Pequest Education Pond. Randy’s enthusiasm and dedication will be a huge benefit to the chapter in his new role. Randy has also agreed to continue to head up our Veterans committee.
The chapter also elected Cathy Cole to be our Recording Secretary. This role had previously been filled by Tim, who was doing double duty as VP and Secretary. With the addition of Cathy, we now have a full executive committee for the first time. We welcome Cathy to our leadership team.
Dan Donlan will stay on as Treasurer, as his term is not yet expired.
Conservation Committee Grows. We received several new volunteers to our Conservation Committee. Ed Haversang and Al Bauer headed this committee, and both were reelected as RVTU board members. We also added four new committee members, which will help us pursue and achieve more of our conservation goals in 2026.
Fundraising. Jim Kinney agreed to take on the role of fundraising committee chairman.
Where We Still Need Help. We continue to seek help with a few areas, per below.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Expanding our outreach to the next generation, our Youth director would coordinate Trout in the Classroom program, and expand our youth outreach, including developing potential connections with school fishing clubs (such as the newly formed Hackettstown HS fishing club), offering assistance to scout groups, etc.
MEMBERSHIP: Linda Bauer has stepped down as our Membership coordinator, so we need a volunteer to fill this role. She has done a great job and lent a lot of enthusiasm to the organization. She will be missed. This job entails welcoming new chapter members, and reaching out to potential new members, working with board to suggest / coordinate recruiting events, coordinate recruiting and promoting the chapter online, building our mailing list from event attendees, etc. This is a great position for anyone with an entrepreneurial or sales/marketing experience. New members are the lifeblood of an organization like ours, so we sorely need to fill this position.
Lastly, thank you all for all you do for our chapter, and here’s looking to a great year of fishing and service to our trout streams! Tight Lines everyone!