Hailey Robinson / NWATU Chapter President, Women’s and Diversity Initiative Coordinator, Trout in the Classroom Coordinator
I am an Arkansas native and a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences. After working as a microbiologist for Tyson Foods, Inc. for two years, I discovered one of my passions was in education. I pursued a career as an educator with Farmington High School with a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Arkansas State University. I also have two small children, that I like to include in my list of accomplishments, who also share a love for animals and the outdoors with me.
Growing up on a family farm in Farmington, AR, I have always enjoyed the outdoors. Trout Unlimited entered my life last year when I became a Trout in the Classroom teacher for TU’s Arkansas Chapter 514. The experience was so enlightening for both my students and me. I became friends with Brian Kick, Chapter President, and started volunteering for events and getting into fly-fishing along with conservation efforts. Chapter 514 even sponsored my first fly rod and Brian Kick taught me how to fly fish. This Chapter has changed my life in so many ways and I look forward to giving back by helping others get involved in the amazing work TU and Chapter 514 do for conservation, youth outreach and the Women’s and Diversity Initiative.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.spears1/
Ron Blackwelder / NWATU Chapter Secretary and Treasurer and Interim Conservation Chair, Treasure Arkansas State Council
I am a long time member of TU and recently retired to Northwest Arkansas with the intent of doing more fly fishing. As Treasurer, my main goals are to engage chapter members, increase chapter membership and for us to collectively work on improving the NWA trout fishery and fishing experience.
Michael Wingo / Conservation Chair and Vice Chair Arkansas State Council
As an avid angler of all species, I love being on the water. Being on the Board of Trout Unlimited is a great way to work with all of those in our community who care about conserving this wonderful resource.
Brian Kick / Officer
I currently reside in Farmington, AR and was raised local to the Northwest Arkansas area. I’m a 4th generation fly fisherman and have been fly fishing religiously since I as 12 years old. At the age of 14, I started the adventure of Fly Tying which led me to meet key representatives in the industry. In 2002, I joined TU as a way to “give back” to this great sport. In September of 2012, I found the need to “give back” at a higher level and joined the Chapter Board. While on the Chapter 514 Board, I have volunteered in numerous roles such as Membership Chairman, Conservation Chairman, and Chapter Vice President. In my current role as Chapter President, my focus is providing leadership and oversight with the Chapter Board and membership as we continue our involvement in stream restoration / habitat improvement projects, youth activities, and community events. I enjoy working with TU and our local chapter for the main benefit of improving the environment, working on local tail water habitat improvements, educating our youth about conservation, and ultimately increasing fishing success. When not at work I enjoy time spent with family and friends on the water. People that know me well know that I consider trout streams as my paradise.
Jeff Belk / NWATU Chapter Youth Education Coordinator
Jeff and his son live in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. He graduated with a B.S. in Zoology from U of A in 1995, and M.A.T. Secondary Science from the U of A in 1998. He received his Wilderness Education Association National Certification for Outdoor Leadership in 1996. In 2004, he received the Arkansas Environmental Education Association’s Environmental Educator of the Year, Arkansas Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Educator of the Year, and National Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Achievement Award. In 2007, he received the Rogers High School Teacher of the Year Award and in 2017 Jeff was awarded the Ray Smith Conservation Award for his achievements in promoting and growing outdoors and conservation education for youth throughout northwest Arkansas.
Daniel Roberts / NWATU Chapter Membership Chair
Daniel (@danielroberts_ar) is the newest NWATU Board Member, filling the Membership Chair responsibilities. Daniel was born and raised in Little Rock, AR and grew up fly fishing with his dad around the central AR area. Daniel spends most of his time tying flies, mastering his Striper Fishing fascination and everything outdoors in general. Most know Daniel as the local rep for Simms, Buff, St. Croix rods, etc. We know Daniel as a good friend and a great advocate for the sport of angling and conservation.