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Meet The Team
Board Member
Matthew Aporta
I have a strong belief that there is now more than ever a need for more access for men (all ages) to mental health resources. I plan to help Scale FTGF as an organization. Drive growth as an organization, increase our ability to fundraise and increase profitability with our current streams.
Board Member
baker arena
I have dealt with anxiety my entire life but I have found that fly fishing is a place where I can always find peace. I helped the organization get off the ground in 2019 and I love volunteering at our mental health retreats. To see men finding their own peace on the river and becoming better men in the process is the most rewarding part of being a board member for Fishing the Good Fight.
Board Member
Nathaan Demers
My passion for people has led me to an enriching career as a clinical psychologist, filled with a number of twists and turns working across a variety of settings. I am fascinated by all areas of psychology, but my passion lies within the positive psychology movement working specifically in preventative behavioral health. I'd love to contribute my knowledge of the field as a mental health expert, but specifically in upstream behavioral health.
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Interim Executive Director
Jim flint
Maintaining healthy habits and getting outside has been critical in my mental health journey. As a kid I was lucky to be able to play in streams and explore the forests near my home and that passion lives within me to this day. Throughout my career I have prioritized service to others and when I met Jennings two years ago I knew I wanted to get involved. I am continually grateful to be able to apply my knowledge in the non-profit sector and to be able to work with such amazing guys.
Founder | Board Member
jennings hester
I grew up loving sports and competition, but the outdoors and fly fishing were things I didn't learn to appreciate until late into my 20s. Both have helped me in many ways, and I hope to share my passion with others. I founded Fishing the Good Fight with the idea that there needs to be more awareness, less stigma around men’s mental health and that fly fishing can help bridge that gap.
Board Member
Andrew Luter
As someone who suffers from anxiety myself, I have always found being in nature and particularly fly fishing to be a much needed tonic to the day to day pressures of life. I hope to apply my expertise in business to FTGF. I am the founder of Rio Chato Investments, which partners with entrepreneurs to provide capital, guidance and expertise to active lifestyle companies. Rio Chato is currently an active investor in eight outdoor industry businesses.
Board Member
alan pitts
I’m a Combat Wounded Vet, who grew up in NJ and the Army brought me to Colorado. I knew within the first few minutes of being here this was going to be my home. Being outdoors and fly fishing has saved my life and turned me into who I am today. I hope to apply my experiences to FTGF to improve how we serve men.
Board Member
David Puchi
Seeing men take their own lives has struck me deeply and I would love to be of service to men who are suffering from mental illness to help curtail the devastating impact of male suicides in our society. I have served on several non profit boards serving the children in our community and I am passionate about education. I look forward to applying these experiences to FTGF.
Board Member
Neeraj Sathe
I suffer from anxiety and depression and my passion is fly fishing and fly tying. I believe mental health programs are important for men because we don't talk about it, that getting on the right medications and therapy can change one's life. As a founding board member who has been involved with the organization from the beginning, I look forward to continue to make valuable contributions as we grow.