Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance Board of Directors
Executive Director - John Kaplanis
John is an avid hunter, angler and licensed trapper. He is a nationally recognized award winning outdoor writer and photographer, in addition to his work with the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance (NOSA). His passion is bow hunting big northwestern Ontario whitetails. John is also a Pro-Staff member of D&R Sporting Goods and has recently shown a keen interest in competitive angling.
When he is not spending outdoor time with his family and friends, John works full time as a career fire fighter currently serving in his 26th year with the Thunder Bay Fire/Rescue Service as a Captain in command of a 4 man Pumper/Rescue/Ladder crew. John holds a BA/B.Education degree from Lakehead University as well he is a certified instructor with the Ontario Fire College.
As the Executive Director of the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance, John Kaplanis is the only member of the NOSA Board of Directors who holds a permanent Board appointed position. In this capacity John is entrusted to conduct the day to day operation and business of the organization, ensuring that activities are conducted in accordance with NOSA's stated bylaw objectives and managed within a limited budget. He reports on these functions to an elected Board of Directors.
John is devoted to ensuring sound fish and wildlife conservation goals which translate to the enhancement and preservation of the hunting, angling and trapping heritage that so many northerners value as part of the fabric of northwestern Ontario.
John is an avid hunter, angler and licensed trapper. He is a nationally recognized award winning outdoor writer and photographer, in addition to his work with the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance (NOSA). His passion is bow hunting big northwestern Ontario whitetails. John is also a Pro-Staff member of D&R Sporting Goods and has recently shown a keen interest in competitive angling.
When he is not spending outdoor time with his family and friends, John works full time as a career fire fighter currently serving in his 26th year with the Thunder Bay Fire/Rescue Service as a Captain in command of a 4 man Pumper/Rescue/Ladder crew. John holds a BA/B.Education degree from Lakehead University as well he is a certified instructor with the Ontario Fire College.
As the Executive Director of the Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance, John Kaplanis is the only member of the NOSA Board of Directors who holds a permanent Board appointed position. In this capacity John is entrusted to conduct the day to day operation and business of the organization, ensuring that activities are conducted in accordance with NOSA's stated bylaw objectives and managed within a limited budget. He reports on these functions to an elected Board of Directors.
John is devoted to ensuring sound fish and wildlife conservation goals which translate to the enhancement and preservation of the hunting, angling and trapping heritage that so many northerners value as part of the fabric of northwestern Ontario.
President- Shane Baker
Shane has been a resident of Northwestern Ontario for twenty eight years, having moved from Northwestern Alberta in 1995.
Shane is married to Karen and they have three children Benjamin , Bryanna and Quinn .
All three children have shown a keen interest in the outdoors and can’t wait to join Dad on the next hunting or fishing adventure.
Shane is adamant that he pass on the knowledge he was taught by his father to his children about the outdoors.
Shane is the owner of SKB Enterprises - a supplier and retailer of quality outdoor clothing, accessories and equipment for the hunter, angler and boating enthusiast.
Shane is looking forward to the challenges of being the President with NOSA. With his experience and knowledge he will be able to represent and serve as a voice for the hunters, anglers, and trappers in the North
Shane has been a resident of Northwestern Ontario for twenty eight years, having moved from Northwestern Alberta in 1995.
Shane is married to Karen and they have three children Benjamin , Bryanna and Quinn .
All three children have shown a keen interest in the outdoors and can’t wait to join Dad on the next hunting or fishing adventure.
Shane is adamant that he pass on the knowledge he was taught by his father to his children about the outdoors.
Shane is the owner of SKB Enterprises - a supplier and retailer of quality outdoor clothing, accessories and equipment for the hunter, angler and boating enthusiast.
Shane is looking forward to the challenges of being the President with NOSA. With his experience and knowledge he will be able to represent and serve as a voice for the hunters, anglers, and trappers in the North
Executive Vice President - John Hay
John has now assumed the role of Executive Vice President for NOSA. He was one of the founding members of NOSA and has been the Vice President of Operations since day one. He has now turned over the reins of that position to Sara Fisher.
A dedicated bow hunter and angler, John is always willing to share his passion for the outdoors with anyone and especially the youth. His family shares his love for the outdoors and participates as often as possible.
John leads Team NOSA’s representation on many fishing related projects including Co-Chairing the Council for Fish Management Zone 6 and as a member of FZM 9 dealing with the Black Sturgeon River Dam and Black Bay walleye rehabilitation project.
John has now assumed the role of Executive Vice President for NOSA. He was one of the founding members of NOSA and has been the Vice President of Operations since day one. He has now turned over the reins of that position to Sara Fisher.
A dedicated bow hunter and angler, John is always willing to share his passion for the outdoors with anyone and especially the youth. His family shares his love for the outdoors and participates as often as possible.
John leads Team NOSA’s representation on many fishing related projects including Co-Chairing the Council for Fish Management Zone 6 and as a member of FZM 9 dealing with the Black Sturgeon River Dam and Black Bay walleye rehabilitation project.
Vice President of Operations - Sara Fisher
Sara is a lifelong resident of Northwestern Ontario and enjoys spending time at her family camp on Decourcey Lake.
Along with husband and their three children Sara enjoys the outdoors. Sara is an avid angler, hunter and licensed trapper, dedicating most of her spare time to enjoying these passions.
Sara is an accomplished big game hunter, utilizing rifle and archery gear to pursue Northern Ontario’s large game species, while also equally enjoying hunting for grouse and small game!
Sara also serves as on the board of directors for the Northwestern Fur Trappers Association.
Membership Director - Bruno Fornaro
Bruno is married to wife Maria and together they spend considerable time enjoying northwestern Ontario's outdoors, especially fishing for walleye during the summer months. Bruno enjoys visiting various resorts in northwestern Ontario to sample the best fishing that the region has to offer. He is also an accomplished bow hunter with moose and whitetails to his credit.
Bruno exemplifies the northern Ontario blue collar working class. He expects his tax dollars to be put to good use to manage our wildlife and forests. He represents NOSA on the Lakehead local citizens committee (LCC) and volunteers many hours at various events that NOSA is involved with throughout the year.
Bruno is a stalwart and valued part of the NOSA team, and he is now enjoying his retirement from a successful career with Canadian Pacific Railway. NOSA is happy
to have him full time!
Bruno is married to wife Maria and together they spend considerable time enjoying northwestern Ontario's outdoors, especially fishing for walleye during the summer months. Bruno enjoys visiting various resorts in northwestern Ontario to sample the best fishing that the region has to offer. He is also an accomplished bow hunter with moose and whitetails to his credit.
Bruno exemplifies the northern Ontario blue collar working class. He expects his tax dollars to be put to good use to manage our wildlife and forests. He represents NOSA on the Lakehead local citizens committee (LCC) and volunteers many hours at various events that NOSA is involved with throughout the year.
Bruno is a stalwart and valued part of the NOSA team, and he is now enjoying his retirement from a successful career with Canadian Pacific Railway. NOSA is happy
to have him full time!
Director at Large - Mark St Cyr
Mark has been an avid outdoorsman since he was old enough to hold a fishing rod. He’s a resident of Thunder Bay and husband to Stacey Atkinson- St. Cyr and father of one daughter Shianne, who is often at his side fishing and hunting and has been raised to also love the outdoors. Mark enjoys fishing very much but his passion is hunting and looks forward to the cool crisp November morning sitting in the deer stand.
Mark has been working in the mineral exploration industry for several years, and when he is home he will often spend his time with his family at Shebandowan Lake fishing and hunting. Other activities Mark is involved with is the Kidney Foundation of Canada, volunteering and running fundraisers such as the Fish for Life Ice Fishing Derby. Monies raised through the fundraiser go to assist northern Ontario residents affected by kidney disease and also go to a renal family camp for family’s affected by kidney disease. He believes that everyone deserves to have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and that they also have a new found respect for the fishing and hunting community.
Mark looks forward to serving as a voice with Team NOSA for Northern Ontario residents in regards to fishing, hunting, and trapping issues. Working on facing the challenges that we face living in Northern Ontario.
Mark has been an avid outdoorsman since he was old enough to hold a fishing rod. He’s a resident of Thunder Bay and husband to Stacey Atkinson- St. Cyr and father of one daughter Shianne, who is often at his side fishing and hunting and has been raised to also love the outdoors. Mark enjoys fishing very much but his passion is hunting and looks forward to the cool crisp November morning sitting in the deer stand.
Mark has been working in the mineral exploration industry for several years, and when he is home he will often spend his time with his family at Shebandowan Lake fishing and hunting. Other activities Mark is involved with is the Kidney Foundation of Canada, volunteering and running fundraisers such as the Fish for Life Ice Fishing Derby. Monies raised through the fundraiser go to assist northern Ontario residents affected by kidney disease and also go to a renal family camp for family’s affected by kidney disease. He believes that everyone deserves to have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and that they also have a new found respect for the fishing and hunting community.
Mark looks forward to serving as a voice with Team NOSA for Northern Ontario residents in regards to fishing, hunting, and trapping issues. Working on facing the challenges that we face living in Northern Ontario.
Director at Large - Jesse Fisher
Jesse is an avid outdoorsman and lifelong resident of Northwestern Ontario. He is an active angler, hunter and licensed trapper.
Jesse’s family actively participates with him in his outdoor adventures. Jesse’s wife and fellow NOSA director is Sara Fisher. Together with their three children, they enjoy as much time as possible spent outdoors.
Jesse’s understanding of wildlife management principles as well as his active involvement in hunting, trapping and fishing, makes him a great asset to the NOSA team.
Jesse is an avid outdoorsman and lifelong resident of Northwestern Ontario. He is an active angler, hunter and licensed trapper.
Jesse’s family actively participates with him in his outdoor adventures. Jesse’s wife and fellow NOSA director is Sara Fisher. Together with their three children, they enjoy as much time as possible spent outdoors.
Jesse’s understanding of wildlife management principles as well as his active involvement in hunting, trapping and fishing, makes him a great asset to the NOSA team.
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Director at Large - Kirsti Harris
Kirsti is on our board of directors and helps us out on the social media side of things and at events. Kirsti pursued Recreation Therapy in college and now has a career supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities doing recreation. She has an outstanding passion for hunting, fishing, and trapping and whenever she's not working or volunteering you'll bet she's out in the woods. She also dabbles in some outdoor writing and makes art from outdoors resources. Kirsti also won NOSA's 2017 Sportswoman of the Year award and is a strong believer of protecting and promoting our northern outdoor heritage. |
Director At Large- Philip Parnell
Philip is a resident of Thunder Bay who enjoys hunting and fishing with family and friends.
Philip has been hunting for 14 years and he’s enjoyed sport angling since he was a young boy Charter fishing with his father on Lake Superior.
Philip exemplifies the blue collar workers of the north, as he is Journeyman plumber with UA local 628.
Philip looks forward to cool fall mornings walking a trail for grouse or sitting in his stand waiting on a big buck! Favourite fishing adventures are for summertime walleyes or ice fishing for Lakers!
Philip is also a Brand Ambassador for Scentlok.
Philip is a resident of Thunder Bay who enjoys hunting and fishing with family and friends.
Philip has been hunting for 14 years and he’s enjoyed sport angling since he was a young boy Charter fishing with his father on Lake Superior.
Philip exemplifies the blue collar workers of the north, as he is Journeyman plumber with UA local 628.
Philip looks forward to cool fall mornings walking a trail for grouse or sitting in his stand waiting on a big buck! Favourite fishing adventures are for summertime walleyes or ice fishing for Lakers!
Philip is also a Brand Ambassador for Scentlok.