July 20, 2009 (Washington, DC) – A familiar face of the American fishing community and Conservation Director for the Bass Anglers Sportsmen’s Society (BASS), Chris Horton, is joining the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) as a Regional Director for the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC)  starting in September.

"Fishing, hunting and protecting our fish and wildlife resources is a personal passion that I share with millions of Americans and I'm both honored and excited about the opportunity to work with an organization that has such a proven track record of protecting America's hunting and angling heritage,” said Horton. “I believe that accepting this position provides the best and most direct opportunity to implement policies that not only benefit our natural resources, but also safeguard our ability to enjoy those resources.”

Horton joins CSF to deepen and expand the existing relationships that the NASC program has developed with state legislators, governors, and legislative staff. Based out of his home state of Arkansas, this is part of the CSF plan to geographically expand the reach and scope of the NASC and the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) to further the policy objectives of the hunting, fishing and trapping communities.

“This expansion with the addition of such a trusted and well-known figure in the sportsmen’s community such as Chris, will allow the organization to better serve NASC state caucuses, and Governors,” said CSF President Jeff Crane. “By increasing awareness of the caucuses and developing a more in-depth knowledge of fish, wildlife, and conservation related issues and policies for different regions, Chris will provide valuable on-the-ground assistance to state legislators, governors, and legislative staff.”

“As we strive to add all 50 states to the NASC network, begin hosting NASC regional meetings, grow the Annual Meeting, develop advisory councils in caucus states, and grow the overall membership, adding additional NASC staff, with the addition of someone as talented as Chris to go along with the current team, provides a golden opportunity to achieve those goals,” said Rep. Mike Pitts of South Carolina and NASC Executive Council President.

In his most recent role at BASS, Chris' primary responsibility was to work with and represent the BASS Federation Nation and BASS members on local, state, and national conservation issues that impact sport fishing. He is a strong, nationally recognized voice on natural resource policy decisions, and has represented BASS and its members on various scientific and government affairs committees throughout his career.

"Chris’ vast knowledge of conservation practices and our precious natural resources served BASS well during his tenure," said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. "BASS’ reputation in the industry and beyond is highly regarded because of Chris’ work and we wish him the best of luck in the future."

Chris received a master's degree in fisheries from the University of Arizona. Prior to working with BASS, Chris served as the reservoir research biologist, as well as the black bass biologist for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

“Chris is an excellent addition to a first rate team at CSF,” said Phil Morlock, CSF Board Member and Director of Environmental Affairs for Shimano. “He brings to the job a combination of academic credentials, professional experience and practical knowledge as an avid angler and hunter and as the challenges to the future of fishing and hunting continue to grow, Chris is well equipped to serve the outdoor community in his new role.”