CCA elects Bob Bush of Lake Charles as new chairman
Other officers elected and conservation awards presented at State Convention

 Bob Bush of Lake Charles, a lifelong conservationist and officer in the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana, has been elected chairman of CCA Louisiana’s Board of Directors to succeed long-time chairman Jack Lawton. 

Bush, an insurance executive and avid fisherman, has been active in marine conservation issues for most of his adult life. He said that as chairman he will continue advancing CCA’s agenda for responsible stewardship of Louisiana’s marine resources. 

“CCA has been at the forefront of many of the marine conservation advances made in Louisiana over the past two decades,” Bush said. “We are committed to working with our newly-elected state officials to tackle important issues such as coastal erosion, preserving our fisheries, and helping the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries secure proper funding. CCA has a statewide group of volunteers involved in many proactive ventures. CCA has been the leader in building reefs and fishing structures.” 

At their State Convention, CCA members also elected Gus Schram III of Lake Charles as president-elect. Schram will become president when the term of current President Chris Harbuck of Shreveport expires in December. Bill Blanchet of Lafayette will continue as treasurer of CCA and Kevin Bankston of Baton Rouge continues as secretary.

The officers were chosen at CCA’s recent annual State Convention in Lafayette. CCA members also presented Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham the organization’s Jerry Stone Conservationist of the Year Award. The award was in recognition of Barham’s leadership on marine conservation issues while he served in the Louisiana Legislature. 

Lawton, who was instrumental in founding CCA Louisiana and served as its chairman since 1983, was presented the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his many years of service. Roy Deveer of Gonzales was named Volunteer of the Year, M.J. Danos of Marrero was named Chapter President of the Year and the CCA Ascension Chapter was presented the Chapter of the Year award. 

CCA Louisiana is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the state and has been the leader in fisheries management and conservation issues since 1983.