(Washington, DC) - The National Fish Habitat Board (Board) held an election for a vacated Corporate Industry seat on June 13, 2023. The America’s Conservation Enhancement Act (PL 116 – 188, ACE Act) outlines the membership of the National Fish Habitat Board, which consists of 26 members, nine seats are specified by the ACE Act while National Fish Habitat Board members elect the remaining seats.

At its June Board meeting, the Board elected Jake Slager, Senior Manager, Colleges and Universities, The Coca-Cola Company. Slager joins the Board, representing Corporate Industry, and will serve until June 13, 2026. Additionally, Corporate Industry is also represented on the Board by John LeCoq, Founder/CEO of Fishpond Fly Fishing Company.

Mr. Slager has been with The Coca-Cola Company for over 12 years. During that time, he has managed relationships with national customers, including some with strong ties to outdoor recreation. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing and being outdoors with his family. He grew up in Central Illinois exploring the local rivers intersecting with his family’s farm and currently lives with his wife and their three young children in Ohio.

“Engagement in conservation by corporate and industry partners is essential to our work, and we are encouraged by the interest of employees from corporations serving on the National Fish Habitat Board,” said Robert Boyles, Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board. “We look forward to working with Mr. Slager on the Board well into the future.”

The next meeting of the National Fish Habitat Board will be held virtually on September 12, 2023.

About the National Fish Habitat Partnership:
Since 2006, NFHP has supported 1,378 projects benefiting fish habitat throughout all 50 states. This effort works to conserve fish habitat nationwide, leveraging federal, state, tribal, and private funding resources to achieve the greatest effect on fish populations through priority conservation projects of 20 regionally-based Fish Habitat Partnerships. In 2020, NFHP was recognized by Congress as part of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act. NFHP guidance and policies are developed in conjunction with our partnerships and National Fish Habitat Board. For more information, visit: https://fishhabitat.org/