After 10 years of devoted service, Matt Connolly has decided to step down from his position as President of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Connolly will remain a vital part of the BTT Board of Directors, serving as President Emeritus, and fellow BTT board member Harold Brewer will take over as the conservation organization’s new President.
Matt Connolly
Nearly a decade ago Matt Connolly identified himself to Bonefish and Tarpon Trust leaders as someone who believed in the cause and someone who was willing to help. And help he did.
Matt brought with him a lifetime (50 years) of experience including 19 years of leadership with the prestigious and effective Ducks Unlimited organization and directorships of numerous other conservation groups. Matt also brought his little black book of contacts and quickly attracted numerous other skilled and passionate directors to the cause. “Being President of BTT was an incredibly gratifying experience for me as the science based facts from of our research programs coupled with our membership growth enabled us, for the first time, to advocate and successfully bring about sound new public policies for flats fish. “ Connolly said.
“I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with Matt Connolly over the last few years. His experience and guidance has been invaluable to BTT as we have furthered our science and educational efforts to conserve and restore the fisheries we are interested in. “ Said BTT’s new President, Harold Brewer. “While I can never replace Matt, I am looking forward to working more closely with our dedicated group of members, supporters and active volunteers as well as the leadership and staff of BTT in the years ahead.”
Originally a Georgia native, Brewer moved to Florida in the late 70’s. His love for fishing in general, specifically fly fishing, began as a youngster fishing for trout in the North Georgia mountains.
Harold Brewer (photo: Pat Ford)
Since moving to Florida he has been a business executive and owner of several companies that provided services specializing in community bank software products and technology utilization. Retired for the second time, he and his wife Mona, also an accomplished angler, enjoy traveling and fishing together from Alaska to Argentina.
When asked about Brewer, BTT Chairman of the Board Tom Davidson said, “Harold Brewer has been a BTT director for over 10 years holding a number of board positions including VP of Membership and Managing Director of the Bahamas Initiative. He is an avid fisherman, birder, and a life-long conservationist. As such, he brings extensive experience and enthusiasm to the job and will be an excellent leader and president.”
