The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has announced that they’ve found a new executive director. “After an exhaustive nationwide talent search for a new Executive Director, vetting over 60 qualified candidates, one name rose to the top, Robert A. Nixon,” RFA stated in an official press release, adding “Mr. Nixon has made a name for himself as one of New Jersey’s leading legislative lobbyists and strategists.”
The founder and president of State House Strategies – a government affairs consulting firm- Nixon also currently serves as Director of Government Affairs for the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, New Jersey’s largest law enforcement officer union.
“I am excited to help lead the RFA into the future, both as an avid saltwater fisherman and as a public policy professional,” Nixon said, adding “I think we can accomplish great things, and I can’t wait to see where we can go.”
“Rob’s got the right blend of experience and industry knowledge to be successful as the RFA’s ED,” noted Robert T. Healey, Jr, RFA Chairman of the Board of Directors. “I’m proud to stand with him in advocating for anglers’ rights and to help stem the tide of overreaching government regulations,” Healey added.
Nixon began his career in New Jersey government in 1993 as a political consultant and legislative aide to a number of elected officials and candidates, including former State Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Bill Gormley. Prior to and since becoming a lobbyist he has managed or advised on a variety of municipal, State Senate, General Assembly, and Congressional races in New Jersey.
No stranger to fighting for the rights of recreational fishermen and boaters, Nixon has previously represented the RFA as a lobbyist in Trenton. Since 2002 he has also been the lobbyist for the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey and has led the charge for pro-boating laws like the sales tax cut. RFA called Nixon “a passionate saltwater fisherman” who enjoys backcountry fishing in the Florida Keys as well as surfcasting at the Jersey Shore.
Nixon takes over as RFA executive director following the retirement of Jim Donofrio earlier this year. It was Donofrio who founded RFA in 1996 as the first national grassroots political action organization established solely to represent the rights of recreational fishermen and the recreational fishing industry on marine fisheries issues. For more information go to JOINRFA.org.
