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| COHA Staff |
| BILL GAINES President |
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Bill served as Director of Government Affairs for the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) since 1992, before becoming president of COHA upon its creation in early 2006. For thirteen years, under Bill’s guidance, CWA Government Affairs played a critical role in influencing local, regional, State and federal policy decisions of importance to California’s waterfowl, wildlife habitats and our hunting heritage. During this period, Bill established significant credibility, strong working relationships, an extensive background and an impressive track record of effectively lobbying agency and elected officials at every political level. Under Bill’s guidance, CWA’s Government Affairs team gained the undeniable reputation as the conservation community’s most effective voice in California, and also established CWA as a respected and highly effective voice in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Gaines is also a well known individual within the national sporting community. Bill has appeared regularly on a variety of wildlife and hunting television shows -- including “Engel’s Outdoor Experience" on the Outdoor Channel, and on “A Dog’s Life", “The Outdoorsman", “Ruger’s Hunting Adventures", “Benelli’s On Assignment", "Beretta's Waterfowler's Edge", “Life in the Open" and other shows on the Versus Country Network (formerly OLN). Bill also can be heard on the radio every Saturday morning on COHA's "In the Field and on the Water" segment on the top rated "Sep Hendrickson's California Sportsman" on 1140 AM from 6:00 to 8:00.
Bill Gaines received his B.S. degree in Agricultural and Managerial Economics from the University of California at Davis in 1980. He received an M.B.A. degree in Management from Golden Gate University in 1990. |
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| MARK HENNELLY Vice-President |
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Over the past several years, Mark has helped write and pass state legislation to protect conservation easements on private land from urban growth, encouraged private landowners to open their properties to hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreational activities, and ensured that state waterfowl-dedicated monies are used as effectively and efficiently as possible on state-managed wetland areas.
He has also helped defeat bills which would ban dove hunting, prohibited the use of dogs for certain types of hunting, and raised fees on sporting ammunition. On the local level, he has worked to defeat county ordinances which would restrict the ability of landowners to restore wildlife habitat on their lands. Mark has also stopped several proposed local ordinances which would effectively restrict or ban hunting on public lands and waters.
Mark received his B.A. degree in Political Science from Santa Clara University and his M.A. in Government from California State University, Sacramento. He previously worked for the California Waterfowl Association as its Deputy Director of Government Affairs, the State Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee as an Associate Consultant and the California Department of Fish and Game as a Scientific Aide.
Mark and his wife, Barbara, have four young children and live in Roseville. |
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| JASON RHINE Director of Advocacy |
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Jason served as Government Affairs Associate for CWA for well over a year before coming to COHA. Prior to joining CWA, Jason was Senior Legislative Aide for Assembly Member Barbara S. Matthews (D-Tracy) for over 4 years. Jason served as lead staff member and Matthews’ personal representative on the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee.
In addition to advising Assembly Member Matthews on natural resources and wildlife issues, Jason has also demonstrated his leadership as Director of Outreach and Volunteer Recruitment for the Assemblywoman’s last two reelection campaigns.
Jason’s first-hand knowledge of and passion for fishing and hunting combined with his extensive political experience makes him a rare find at the State Capitol. Jason received his Bachelor of Arts degree in social science at California State University, Sacramento. |
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| RICK BULLOCH Director of Development, Northern California/Member Relations |
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Rick began his involvement in hunting, shooting, angling, and conservation issues in the late 1980’s by becoming a key member of the grassroots volunteer base working hard to protect our outdoor heritage. Rick was instrumental in founding local chapters for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), California Deer Association (CDA), while at the same time supporting his local California Waterfowl Association (CWA) and National Rifle Association (NRA) events. His professional vocation during this time was working full-time in the firearms industry, where he developed an expertise in sporting arms and munitions, while further strengthening his background on issues of importance to our fish and game resources and the men and women who pursue them.
In 1999, he joined the staff of the MDF and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). Three years later, in 2002, Rick moved over to the CDA. His great working relationship with the grassroots volunteers over the years has resulted in impressive benefits for wildlife and sportsman. He now brings that same dedication to the California Outdoor heritage Alliance (COHA), where he hopes to leave future generations with a lasting outdoor legacy to enjoy. |
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| GRETCHEN HEFFLER Director of Development, Southern California |
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Gretchen most recently served as Ducks Unlimited’s Director of Development for Southern California and Arizona. Based in Southern California, her responsibilities were to develop major gifts from corporations, individuals and foundations in the region.
Gretchen was with MSGI Direct, marketing Capital Campaign fundraising programs. Prior to being with MSGI Direct, Gretchen served for 10 years as Director of Marketing and Sales for Intropa Tours and World Projects - two international performance tour (music festival and event production) companies. This unique position afforded Gretchen the opportunity to work and travel extensively in Europe, Russia, Israel, Australia/New Zealand and the United States.
Gretchen spent 10 years at the University of Southern California as the Assistant Director of Direct Marketing in Annual Giving. During her tenure, she produced both telemarketing and direct mail programs.
Born and raised in Ventura California, Gretchen has a BS and an MPA in Public Administration from the University of Southern California.
Gretchen enjoys her Golden Retriever “Carson”, hunting, fly fishing, deep sea fishing, studying history and music. Gretchen played trumpet with the U.S.C. Trojan Marching Band, L.A. Lakers Band, various Swing Bands and local Wind Symphonies and is currently with the Pomerado Community Band. |
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