Board of Directors
President - Mark Roberts
Highly respected angler and industry expert, Mark Roberts has spent a lifetime dedicated to the sport fishing industry. With a career spanning over four decades, Mark has had the privilege of guiding for major fishing lodges for 10 years, sharing knowledge and expertise with countless enthusiasts.
A successful entrepreneur, Mark is the proud owner of multiple companies, including a business specializing in the industry, Lake Cowichan Fly and Tackle. With a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies, he is committed to preserving the delicate balance between fishing and conservation, ensuring a thriving future for generations to come.
From a tender age of 5, Mark has been immersed in the world of sport fishing, fostering a profound appreciation for the sport and its ecosystem. Through tireless efforts, he continues to promote sustainable fishing practices, supporting initiatives that protect and preserve our planet's precious marine resources.
Vice President & Treasurer - Gayle Gordon
Gayle is our most dedicated board member. She serves as the Vice President and Treasurer of BCRFA. She utilizes her exceptional leadership skills to drive meaningful change and positively impact the organization. As an active member of various committees, including the CC SFAC, SC SFAC, PFA and Central Coast Stakeholders Advisory Committee she provides valuable insights and contributes to the decision making process. An avid angler, Gayle holds an impressive catch-and-release sports fishing record for the largest chinook in the world, weighing 105.9 pounds. Her dedication to giving back to the sports fishing community is evident in her administration and moderation of 12 fishing social media groups.
Secretary & Community Outreach - Cynthia Carlsen
Born and raised on southern Vancouver Island, Cynthia grew up in Sooke, learning to hunt and fish with her grandfather and father at a young age. She received her Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Certificate at 12 years old and with the teachings of always acknowledging the importance of conservation - respect for wildlife and the environment. Cynthia brings 34 years of experience in the BC Public Service as a senior advisor. As well, she has dedicated decades volunteering in the region, including serving as president and member on several board. Currently, she is the Secretary and Community Outreach Director for the BC Recreational Fishing Association. She is the creator and administrator of the Port Renfrew Fishing Group on Facebook, as well as many other local community pages, including her HWY 14 History Group page she created where she writes about the history of the towns along HWY 14. It is an online community bringing all ages of the region together. When she’s not busy in community, she loves to spend time exploring the island with her family and two Goldies “Freyja” and “Valie”.
Bill Audette -Director
Raised in Sooke, BC, Bill grew up with a fishing rod in hand. At 14 years old he started deck handing on the local commercial fishing boats – and as time went on Bill captained several vessels. With over 30 years at sea, he brings extensive experience with numerous fisheries in Canada and the USA, both on and offshore, including fishing Albacore in the North and South Pacific Ocean, and Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea. Bill’s fishing life also led him to years of experience as a fishing guide out of Winter Harbour and the Queen Charlottes, and he is also a former trained and certified fisheries observer. Bill also brings a wealth of experience participating in the sportsmen show circuit throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Montana and Las Vegas promoting the charter fishing industry on our coast.
