Long-time volunteer Rich Christie has officially joined California Waterfowl staff as the organization's fourth field operations representative.

Born and raised in South Africa, Rich’s love of the outdoors grew early on as he accompanied his father on photography flights in single-engine planes over the bush. Later, as a private pilot and photographer, he moved to New Zealand to play rugby and fly fish while working in the import-export business.

After moving stateside, Rich found out about CWA at the International Sportsmen’s Expo 15 years ago. Figuring it was never too late to start something new; he went to a dinner, was invited to duck hunt and, like most of us, was hooked.

Through the company he owned, Christie began working with CWA to revamp its merchandise line, promoting the idea of more casual logo apparel, and was a catalyst behind the adoption of an online sales platform.

Inspired by the camaraderie he saw among duck hunters at the dinners and within the organization, Christie eventually joined the committee for CWA’s Blackhawk dinner. As a latecomer to hunting, he wants others to experience the same welcoming atmosphere and the big, new circle of friends he found when he was a new hunter.

“We want to get the next generation involved, but we also want to help the older ones who want to start something new,” Christie says of what he’s looking forward to about his upcoming work here. “I personally challenge all those who read this, to grab somebody, new or old, take them to a club as a guest to see what it’s all about, or bring them to a dinner and if you can’t then contact me and I will do it for you. Let’s all get out and make new friends, open doors and the world will surprise you.”

“We are excited to add Rich to our fundraising team,” said Scott Mueller, vice president for fund and membership development. “Rich has been an asset to the organization for years as a volunteer, and now he will take those passions and help CWA grow.”

A resident of Manteca, he will be mainly working with volunteers to help organize fundraising events from there south to the Bakersfield area. He joins fellow field reps Tim Davanis, Dan Haugh and Darren Solaro.