Board expansion
MN-FISH Expands Board to 20
Three New Board Members Expand Organizational Strengths
Rogers, MN—At its October 8 board meeting, MN-FISH directors voted to add three new members, a move that expands the nonprofit organization’s expertise in key areas, including social media, content development and retailer relations.
“These are key areas of focus for us going forward,” said MN-FISH president Ron Schara, especially with all the changes in St. Paul following this fall’s election.”
New board members include:
- Joe Rassat, founder/president of Rassat Outdoor Group rep firm
- Bret Amundson, award-winning content creator, TV/Radio host and podcaster
- Brad Novak, digital strategist and data analytics expert
Nonprofit MN-FISH was launched by leaders of the Minnesota fishing community to give anglers a stronger voice in St. Paul. The all-volunteer board includes hall of fame anglers, tackle manufacturers, leaders in the outdoor tourism industry and legislative arenas, fishing guides and media personalities.
Since 2022, nonpartisan MN-FISH has helped secure more than $100 million in state investment in fishing and boating infrastructure, including updating or replacing fish hatcheries and public boat access sites statewide, funding key fisheries studies, increasing shore fishing opportunities for urban anglers and much more.
New board member bios
Bret Amundson is an award-winning digital content creator, photographer, and videographer. As owner of Fish Hunt Forever, he celebrates the outdoors and fights to protect the outdoor lifestyle. He hosts the popular PBS show Prairie Sportsman, which airs more than 600 times annually on 12 stations across seven states. His Fish Hunt Forever Radio show is heard on 30 stations across the Midwest and across several social media platforms. His work has won dozens awards for excellence over the years, including an Emmy in 2023. Bret has been a strong supporter of MN-FISH for several years.
Brad Novak’s background sits at the intersection of digital strategy, data and analytics, search and content strategy, digital advertising and artificial intelligence. He is an expert at taking complicated information—whether marketing data, consumer behavior, search trends, sales information or emerging technology—and turning it into something organizations can act upon. Brad will help MN-FISH strengthen its social media reach, messaging and assist us in identifying issues of importance to Minnesota anglers.
Joe Rassat has spent his entire working life dedicated to the outdoor industry. At age 15, he went to work at the local bait shop in his hometown of Maple Lake, before taking a position with tackle giant Pure Fishing. He started as a merchandiser before eventually rising to national sales manager. In 2009, he founded his own rep firm, Rassat Outdoor Group, working with top brands like Rapala, 13 Fishing, Northland Tackle, Otter and several others over the years. His goal for joining the MN-FISH board is to recruit new industry partners and members and increase the organization’s influence in St. Paul and across the state.
“I’d like to welcome Joe, Brad and Bret to the board and look forward to working with each of them in the coming years,” said MN-FISH Executive Director Mark Holsten.
