By Kirk Deeter

Trout Unlimited has named Chris Wood, currently TU's chief operating officer, to fill the chief executive officer's position held by Charles Gauvin since 1991.  Wood will take over February 1.

Since Gauvin took the helm of TU at the age of 34, the organization's development has been nothing short of extraordinary.  According to a TU press announcement, back then,

"TU’s budget was $2.5 million and it had approximately 50,000 members. There was just one staff person who worked on conservation issues. Under Gauvin’s leadership, the organization has grown to 140,000 members with an operating budget in excess of $26 million and a professional staff of over 130."

TU is now, without question, one of the most influential conservation organizations in America, and the lead entity in protecting rivers vital to fly fishing.  Gauvin will remain on the organizations board of trustees.

Wood arrived at TU in 2001 after working as a senior policy and communications advisor to Mike Dombeck, chief of the U.S. Forest Service during the Clinton administration. His work in TU has helped the organization earn several important environmental wins for anglers.

"From a western perspective, I can tell you Chris is largely responsible for the conservation footprint TU is leaving throughout our region—his vision and leadership have resulted in the creation of TU’s Sportsmen’s Conservation Project, and he continues to support the excellent work of the Western Water Project," said Chris Hunt, of TU's Sportsmen's Conservation Project.

Trout anglers have a lot to thank Gauvin for, and a good reason to be optimistic that Wood will advance the TU cause even further.  Whether you are an avid angler or just a fly fishing dabbler, you should take a moment to learn more about Trout Unlimited and its mission, and consider joining if you are not among the 140,000 TU members already.

Deeter

Comments (4)

from Woodstock wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

I spent a week camping and fishing with Chris on a remote Alaska river. You get to know a guy pretty well under those conditions. My feeling is that TU will be very well served by Chris. Congratulations.

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from buckhunter wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

I read a bit about him on the TU site. He looks like a fine young man with a background that will help keep moving TU in the right direction.

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from MCrawdad wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

Wonder is he gets Gauvin's compensation package, which was $209,000 in salary and $30,000 in a benefits package. In reality, that's not exorbitant for a national non-profit.

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from fflutterffly wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

Congratulations is not only in order to both Charles, for his wonderful service and dedication in bringing TU into the 21st century as a successful organization, and Chris, who faces a new era of growth and interest in fly fishing. Congratulations is also in order to all of us who participate in making TU what it is today. By supporting the efforts and all the events not only fly fisherman, but others who love the waters we fish can fully grasp the hard work that everyone does to succeed in saving a species or protecting waters. Do something grand for this transaction... invite a friend fishing and have them join TU. Our future depends on it.

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from Woodstock wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

I spent a week camping and fishing with Chris on a remote Alaska river. You get to know a guy pretty well under those conditions. My feeling is that TU will be very well served by Chris. Congratulations.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from buckhunter wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

I read a bit about him on the TU site. He looks like a fine young man with a background that will help keep moving TU in the right direction.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from MCrawdad wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

Wonder is he gets Gauvin's compensation package, which was $209,000 in salary and $30,000 in a benefits package. In reality, that's not exorbitant for a national non-profit.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from fflutterffly wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

Congratulations is not only in order to both Charles, for his wonderful service and dedication in bringing TU into the 21st century as a successful organization, and Chris, who faces a new era of growth and interest in fly fishing. Congratulations is also in order to all of us who participate in making TU what it is today. By supporting the efforts and all the events not only fly fisherman, but others who love the waters we fish can fully grasp the hard work that everyone does to succeed in saving a species or protecting waters. Do something grand for this transaction... invite a friend fishing and have them join TU. Our future depends on it.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.