Board Members

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CLEVELAND, GA

Steve took his first fly fishing lesson from Wanda Taylor, MCI, and was immediately hooked!  Ultimately, after being mentored by Peter Lami, MCI, Steve received his Casting Instructor's Certification after being tested by industry legend, Dr. Gordy Hill, MCI and member of the Casting Board of Governors, in 2010.

Steve has enjoyed flyfishing for “anything that will tug on the line,” anywhere there is water – from Cuba to Alaska, Chile to Argentina, Canada, to the lake in his back yard in Cleveland, GA.

Steve is a native of Atlanta, graduate of Georgia Tech, and served six years in the US Army Reserves.  Steve had a career in three acts… First owning and operating a family metal and paper recycling business started by his grandfather in 1919.  After selling the business in 1986, Steve started his own public affairs firm, where he lobbied primarily in the southeastern states, on behalf of the recycling industry for over 20 years.  Finally, Steve joined one of his clients, as they started a used auto parts recycling business, Pull-A-Part, LLC, which he helped grow from one facility in Atlanta, to 36 locations in 16 states.

Steve is an active volunteer, teaching casting and all aspects of the sport, with groups including Veterans Flyfishing, Inc.. Project Healing Waters, and Casting for Recovery.  He is an active member of the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club, and the Georgia Foothills Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Steve’s biggest catch was in 1973 - his wife Janice.  He is the proud father of Josh, father-in-law of Lauren, and grandfather of Bailey and Avi.

CHATTANOOGA, TN

Trent has spent a lifetime chasing fish and exploring the outdoors. From the bayous of the Mississippi Delta to the spring-fed rivers of Central Texas, he’s fished all over—landing Guadalupe bass in hill country streams and even wrangling giant bonefish in the flats of Hawaii. Whether it’s saltwater or freshwater, Trent’s always up for the next adventure with a rod in hand.

Back home in East Tennessee, Trent has taken a leadership role in several nonprofit conservation efforts, working to protect the waterways and wild places he loves. His work has brought people together through clean-up events, habitat restoration, and outdoor education programs. Through his nonprofit involvement and community outreach, Trent continues to make a lasting impact—showing that caring for the outdoors goes hand in hand with enjoying it.

 Big Canoe, GA

I grew up surf fishing in Charleston, SC as a boy. My love for fishing and scuba diving took me to many places including Florida, the Caribbean and Cabo San Lucas, always looking for bigger fish.

When I moved to Big Canoe in 2010 I met some guys in the Gold Rush TU Dahlonega Chapter who introduced me to fly fishing. The first time they showed me a size 20 hook and told me that I would catch 20+ inch trout I thought they were crazy, but I have!!

For introducing me to the incredible world of fly fishing I especially thank Dr. Mike, Deb, and Fred. For continuing to teach me how to be a better caster, fly fisherman, fly tyer and ambassador for this sport I thank Dr. John, Greg, Doug, Rene and Ken. For allowing me to accomplish a life goal of building a bamboo fly rod, special thanks to Sam.

LELAND, NC

From Sulphur Hatch to 64 Species: Terry's Fly Fishing Journey

Born in the shadow of Pennsylvania's legendary Spring Creek, Terry arrived amidst a mythical Sulphur hatch that supposedly fattened up the trout by half a pound (okay, maybe not in December!). Regardless, this was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with fly fishing. A 3rd generation angler, Terry has spent over 40 years casting a line, catching an incredible 64 different species on the fly — truly an "all water, all fish" kind of guy.

A dedicated member of the fly fishing community, Terry boasts lifetime FFI membership and has served in various roles for Triangle Fly Fishers, even landing a spot in their Hall of Fame! Now in Leland, NC, he's joined forces with the Cape Fear Fly Fishers.

With a background in environmental science and over 30 years in the industry, Terry has cleverly combined his passion for clean water and conservation with his love for fly fishing. What can we say, the man's got a cast for all occasions!

CLEVELAND, TN

 From Casting with Dad to Streamer-Junkie Supreme: Brian's Fly Fishing Journey

Brian's love affair with fishing began at 15, learning the ropes from his old man. Together, they formed the Lee U. Anglers program and snagged their CI certifications, proving they weren't just messing around. It took four years of dedicated practice (and mastering everything from intricate knots to fancy boat strokes) before Brian earned his coveted MCI patch.

But his ambitions didn't stop there. Brian soon became associate editor of the FFI's Loop Journal, eventually taking the helm as editor-in-chief. He even found time to get published in American Angler and The Drake Magazine and some fancy academic journals, proving he's got the brains and the brawn.

After a stint with the Loop, Brian returned to his studies at the University of Tennessee, successfully defending his dissertation in 2023. Now, he's back where his heart belongs, serving on the FFI SEC Board. He's passionate about sharing the joy of fly fishing with future generations and believes FFI plays a crucial role in the future of the sport.

When it comes to casting, Brian's a self-proclaimed "streamer junkie," often found in the back of a boat chucking flies at unsuspecting fish. And if the streamers aren't biting? He'll happily switch gears and tangle with carp or bass on the fly. So next time you see Brian on the water, don't be shy! He's always up for a good fishing story (and maybe even some tips on tying the perfect streamer).

HIGH POINT, NC

From Spinning Reels to Fly Feels: James' Fly Fishing Journey

James spent his childhood zooming around on wheels and casting lines in Florida waters, battling bass, perch, and panfish in inland lakes and chasing sea trout, redfish, and mangrove snapper in Tampa Bay. Spinning and baitcasting were his weapons of choice, until a fateful summer day in 2022 changed everything.

A fly fishing trip with a friend introduced him to the world of graceful casts and delicate presentations, and even though he didn't land a single fish that day, he was hooked. Now, with two young boys by his side, James is all about exploring new waters, mastering new techniques, and tying flies (sometimes with more laughter than success).

Join James and his boys on their fly fishing journey as they stumble, learn, and share their passion with fellow anglers along the way. Be prepared for a few fishy tales, a dose of humor, and a whole lot of love for the sport.

HUNTSVILLE, AL

 Ralph Shuey is a 30+ year member of Fly Fishers International and has been active in both the Southeastern and the Southern Councils and chapters (TVFF & NAFF), Administrator for the Classic Fly Rod Forum, founder of the Bamboo Bash (20+ years), active supporter of Casting for Recovery and Veterans activities.  Ralphs has fifty plus years of international fishing experience in both salt and freshwater fisheries and is a frequent supporter of fly tying events. Ralph has fished all over the world including the US, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He is a retired Rocket Scientist with experience in multi-million dollar programs, conference organization, international program cooperation, and domestic inter-personal as well as international skills.  Ralph’s  wife is also an experienced fly fisher and contributor to women’s activity in the sport.  As an ordained clergy person she has a deep interest in the spiritual aspects of the craft and its potential for healing.  They both share an enthusiasm for involving the young in this potentially life-long endeavor.