Over the next few weeks we’re going to be highlighting members of our Board of Directors who are seeking re-election, or will be continuing their current term after the 2018 election this October 12th. If you are a current AFFTA member and want to join other industry leaders in shaping the future of fly fishing for generations to come, consider running for the AFFTA Board. Submit your bio before Friday, September 21st. All details can be found here.
Jennifer Lavigne is the sales manager for fly fishing reel and rod manufacturer Waterworks-Lamson and the current Chair of the AFFTA Board. In the fly fishing industry since 2005, she has worn many hats over the years. Jen is based out of Hailey, Idaho, a mountain town surrounded by public lands she came to for a summer and never left. Jen lives with her husband, daughter, dog and a fish named Blueberry, taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible to get outside and play as a family…except for the fish, which stays home.
Jen has served on the Board for 5 years and has one year left in her second term.
Why is AFFTA Board service important to you (personally and professionally)?
I chose to serve on the AFFTA board because I am grateful for the daily opportunity to work in an industry fueled by passion and a love for the outdoors. Being instilled with a strong service ethos from a young age helped me to step out of my comfort zone and step up for board service so that I can give back to the community that I love. Serving AFFTA has helped me create professional connections and allowed me to learn new skills that I have taken back into my workplace and life in general.
What work are we doing as an organization that gets you excited
Watching the growth of the Dealer Summit from first hearing the idea pitched in a board meeting, to seeing it grow from a small event in Colorado to the event in Montana last year has been exciting. The idea was born from our goal to help better the trade of fly fishing. From that idea we created an event focused on retailer education and growth. Hearing comments from retailers who attended the event, went back to their shops and implemented something they learned solidified the importance of this endeavor.