FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2025
Contacts:
Vance Staplin, Golden State Salmon Association, 916.225.2790, vance@goldenstatesalmon.org
Scott Artis, Golden State Salmon Association, 925.550.9208, scott@goldenstatesalmon.org
Santa Rosa, CA — The Golden State Salmon Association (GSSA), a leader in the restoration of California’s Central Valley Salmon, is excited to announce the hiring of Vance Staplin as the new executive director. Staplin, who begins his leadership role with GSSA on November 3, is replacing Scott Artis, who moved out of state earlier this year. GSSA wishes to thank Artis for his effective leadership over the past several years.
A highly respected figure in the California outdoor community, Staplin comes into the role with more than four decades of hands-on experience. His extensive background ranges from nearly 20 years as a manufacturer’s representative selling fishing, hunting, and outdoor gear to retailers in Northern California, to targeting salmon along coastal waters, to serving as a Coast Guard-licensed Sacramento Basin fishing guide for 20 years. Along the way, he also developed a successful fishing tackle company. Staplin is equally at home fishing the Sacramento River system, which he knows intimately, as well as fishing saltwater up and down the coast.
All of this experience provides Staplin a unique and invaluable perspective on the critical issues facing California’s iconic salmon runs and the businesses and jobs that depend on them.
“People who know me know that I have salmon fishing in my bones, and I cannot express my excitement enough that the board of directors selected me for this position. I have been a board member of GSSA for nearly 10 years now and find the commitment and expertise of our board and staff truly amazing. I’m deeply honored to accept this opportunity as executive director and will work diligently with the power of GSSA for more balanced water management policies to improve our salmon fishery and the habitat they need to survive,” said Staplin.
“We’re excited to have Vance Staplin come on board as GSSA’s new executive director,” said board chair and West Marine founder Randy Repass. “Vance brings the kind of deep understanding and passion for salmon in California needed at this time. He’s got deep experience fishing and guiding throughout the Sacramento Valley and offshore. He knows many of the key people who make up California’s $7.9 billion sportfishing industry and can help mobilize them to aid GSSA’s work restoring salmon.”
“GSSA is lucky to see Vance Staplin come on as executive director,” said GSSA board member John McManus. “It’s hard to find people who have seen firsthand what’s causing the decline in California’s salmon runs and can use that knowledge to address the issues, but Vance is one of them. We’re also excited to have a person with a deep understanding of the role played by the state’s salmon hatcheries and how to improve their operation.”
“I’m proud to hand off leadership to Vance, who shares GSSA’s commitment to protecting salmon, supporting recreational and commercial fishing, and defending the industries that rely on healthy fisheries, rivers, and oceans,” said Artis.
The Golden State Salmon Association (www.goldenstatesalmon.org) is a coalition of salmon advocates, including commercial and recreational salmon fishermen and women, businesses, restaurants, native tribes, environmentalists, elected officials, families, and communities that rely on salmon. GSSA’s mission is to restore California salmon for their economic, recreational, commercial, environmental, cultural, and health values.