The Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana elected its 2013 Board of Directors and Officers at their annual meeting in Lafayette.

Charles Caplinger of Slidell was elected as the organization’s new President.  Caplinger takes over for Edward Francis of Baton Rouge, who completed a successful two-year term as CCA Louisiana President in 2011 and 2012.

Caplinger, a native of New Orleans, is employed as a Director of Equity Sales with Howard Weil.  He is an active member of the New Orleans based "Delta" CCA Chapter and served as chapter president for many years.  An avid and accomplished angler, Caplinger does most of his fishing with his wife Rebel and his three young children Addie, Connor and Claire in Venice, Louisiana.

Upon his election, Caplinger recognized and thanked the individuals who have shaped CCA Louisiana for the past thirty years.  While recognizing the contributions of past leaders, Caplinger enters his term as State President with a square focus on the future of the organization.  He listed advocacy leadership, habitat building, strategic planning, outreach and a focus on young anglers as some of his top priorities.

"Louisiana saltwater anglers owe a debt to CCA for the important work the organization does on behalf of all of us," said Caplinger.  "Our job moving forward will be to engage as many Louisiana anglers as possible, including young anglers.  Our work will continue to focus on conservation, coastal restoration and habitat building projects."

Caplinger will serve a two-year term as CCA Louisiana President.

Other CCA Louisiana Officers elected to serve for 2013 are: Bob Bush of Lake Charles, Chairman; Gus Schram, III of Lake Charles, Vice-Chairman; Kevin Bankston of Baton Rouge, Secretary; Kirk Sieber of New Iberia, Treasurer; Camp Matens of Baton Rouge, Vice President of Government Affairs; George Huye of Baton Rouge, Vice President of Development; John Walther of Thibodaux, Vice President of Habitat; Nelson Roth of Gonzales, Vice President of STAR.

2013 CCA Louisiana Board Members