Board Members

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 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!

Linda Vance discovered fly fishing while doing fish physiology coursework for her Ph.D in Conservation Biology at UC Davis. She is still not quite sure that her colleagues were really "sampling fish populations and health" with fly rods, as they claimed, but she decided not to challenge them, and has kept a fly rod handy ever since. Prior to her retirement in 2022, she led a comprehensive assessment and monitoring group at the University of Montana, evaluating the aquatic integrity of federally-managed streams, rivers, wetlands and uplands across the Western U..S.  If you mention an obscure trout stream in a forsaken corner of northern Nevada or southern Wyoming, she has probably "sampled" it. Since moving to North Carolina in 2020, she has been leaving her water quality meters, IPad and tape measures at home, exploring the waters of the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee with great enthusiasm but less scientific rigor.  Being the SEC's Women Connect Liaison allows her to extend her commitment to gender inclusiveness in aquatic science and resource protection by getting women involved with water and fishing. 

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.